West Ham United have been dealt a devastating blow in their bid to sign Jesse Lingard permanently...

What's the word?

According to The Sun, the 28-year-old midfielder has told parent club Manchester United that he wants to stay at the club this summer following a candid meeting with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Hammers are desperate to sign the 29-cap England international permanently after a very successful half-season loan spell, where his nine goals and five assists saw him go from a forgotten outcast to being back in Gareth Southgate's Three Lions squad.

Whilst Lingard hasn't completely ruled out a return to the London Stadium, it's claimed that he would like to stay in the northwest.

Huge blow

This will come as a major setback to many in East London.

There have previously been reports suggesting that the £20m-rated midfielder was keen on returning to West Ham this transfer window but these fresh developments add a worrying twist to the saga.

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Following the final game of the season - a win over Southampton that secured a place in the Europa League - Irons boss David Moyes revealed his intentions over Lingard.

"I hope Jesse’s here, we’d like to keep him, he’s done an exceptional job for us but there’s no guarantees, he’s not our player," the 58-year-old claimed, via the Evening Standard. "But I hope Jesse realises we’ve been good for him as well, and that he joined a club on the up." He'll certainly be gutted by this update. The Hammers faithful will undoubtedly be feeling the same way, too. When Lingard arrived for England duty last week, he was seen with a West Ham themed bag, which sent many supporters into raptures and you'll struggle to find someone who doesn't want him to stay after his lucrative exploits on the pitch. Therefore, this latest claim from The Sun will surely be received in a devastating fashion for the fans and Moyes too.

AND in other news, Moyes could deliver another West Ham masterclass amid big ExWHUemployee transfer claim...