By Betsefy
Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard is now reportedly willing to stay and fight for his place at the club under interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
The 29-year-old had been expected to push for an exit during the January transfer window, having failed to make a single Premier League start so far this season.
Newcastle United and West Ham United were among the clubs thought to be interested in Lingard, who scored nine goals in 16 games while on loan with the Hammers during the second half of 2020-21.
However, The Athletic reports that Lingard has been encouraged by early signs under new boss Rangnick and is now willing to stay at Old Trafford for at least the rest of the season.
The England international’s contract expires next summer and he will be free to open talks with overseas clubs from January 1.
Barcelona and AC Milan have both previously been linked with a move for Lingard, who rejected an offer of a contract extension at Man United in October.
The midfielder is hopeful that he can work his way into Rangnick’s first-team plans in the second half of this season, though, as he looks to secure his place in England’s squad ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
