Jesse Lingard is still on the radar of West Ham United as he seems 'certain to leave' Manchester United in the near future...

What's the word?

90min journalist Toby Cudworth delivered a fresh update on the 28-year-old's situation earlier this week, although he may not be as big a priority as before.

"#WHUFC & Jesse Lingard as I understand it: Certain to leave Man Utd. West Ham interest remains. He’s not necessarily the priority," he tweeted.

Cudworth added: "Hlozek interest v[ery] real and a better long-term option" and "Barca, Atleti & Milan options abroad for Lingz".

It comes after The Times revealed that the England international had no intention of restarting negotiations with Manchester United because of his frustrations at the club's behaviour during discussions earlier this season.

Get it done, Newman!

Whilst Lingard may no longer be a priority for David Moyes and co, it would be a wise decision to bring the Old Trafford outcast back to the London Stadium this January.

Nearly a year ago, the English playmaker joined the club on loan and provided a vital contribution in the Irons sealing Europa League qualification, having delivered nine goals and five assists across 16 appearances. Only Tomas Soucek and Michail Antonio scored more goals for West Ham in 2020/21.

Summer signing Nikola Vlasic has flattered to deceive since replacing Lingard at the club, and given his versatility, he can not only be a no.10 but also play out wide and provide backup to Michail Antonio at centre-forward.

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Furthermore, Said Benrahma is expected to miss several games at the start of next year due to his likely contribution at the Africa Cup of Nations for Algeria. His absence on the left-flank will be sorely missed but the return of Lingard could certainly aid that.

Moyes and his assistant manager Stuart Pearce have never kept their interest a secret.

After the final game of last season, the Scotsman seemingly urged the £19.8m-rated star to remain at the Hammers. "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," he said (via the Evening Standard).

Pearce told talkSPORT back in August: “We would like him to come and join us. That has been an open secret. He was wonderful last year."

A large majority of the London Stadium faithful also want his return, having reacted to similar reports earlier this month. As relayed by Hammers.News, many would be super excited and keen to see him back.

Similarly, in a previous poll conducted recently by Football FanCast, around 89% of more than 400 supporters claimed that they would be delighted if he re-signed for the club.

Therefore, this latest development should have a lot of the fanbase ecstatic. Lingard must return in January, especially as he has unfinished business here in east London.

AND in other news, Daniel Kretinsky could be key to West Ham landing January target...