Tottenham Hotspur have identified former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard as a potential target for this summer transfer window, according to The Guardian.

Tottenham are currently keeping tabs on Lingard’s situation, with Newcastle United and Leicester City also being in the same boat. Nottingham Forest have also joined them in the pursuit as they contemplate making an offer for the free agent.

However, West Ham United are the frontrunners to secure the Englishman’s signature as of now, with Lingard also attracting interest from Everton, MLS and Saudi Arabia. The Hammers have held further negotiations with the attacking midfielder, who is said to be close to making a final decision on his future.

The 29-year-old is currently holding out for a £180,000 a week wage package which is quite expensive, to say the least. West Ham, who are the favourites right now, are hesitant to meet those demands, which has left the other clubs in the running for his services.

Our View

It does make sense why we have been linked with a potential move for the ex-Red Devils ace this summer. It has already been claimed that there are plans to bring in a creative attacker (Evening Standard), which certainly fits Lingard’s profile.

After all, the England international’s primary position is the number ten role, where he excelled when he was on loan with David Moyes’ side. He had scored six goals and four assists from 12 Premier League matches (Transfermarkt) in the 2020-21 campaign indicating how much of an impact he can make for us.

That being said, Lingard’s demands are too exorbitant to make him an attractive proposition, even if he is available on a free transfer. He is unlikely to become a regular starter for us, with Son Heung-Min, Harry Kane and Dejan Kulusevski forming our main attacking trio.

Lingard would probably be an option for Antonio Conte to change his system if he wants to pair Kane and Richarlison with a number ten just behind them. Conte has used a 3-5-2 formation at his previous clubs, but Lingard’s wage demands should be enough to warn us from pursuing him.