Declan Rice has made it clear that he wants West Ham to seal a permanent move for Jesse Lingard this summer when his loan move comes to an end.
Lingard has scored nine goals in 14 matches since arriving at the London Stadium and contributed four assists, including one for Michail Antonio on Wednesday evening against West Brom.
The 3-1 win over the Baggies has all but sealed European football for the Hammers next season.
Only a heavy defeat against Southampton and a huge Everton win at Manchester City can deny the Hammers at least Europa Conference League football. A point against Southampton will secure a place in the Europa League group stages, a fine reward for an excellent season.
Being able to offer Lingard European football is bound to make the move more tempting for the 28-year-old and his West Ham and England teammate Rice is desperate for the move to happen.
"I hope he does, I really hope he does," Rice told Redknapp’s Big Night Out when asked if he wanted Lingard to stay.
"He has changed our squad completely. From the first session he was brave on the ball, he’s an out and out No10 - always on the half-turn and facing forward and that is the player we needed.
"The game he played against Villa when he scored two, we knew we had a real gem on our hands."
Lingard's fine form for the Hammers has seen him return to the England set-up and the attacking midfielder will be hopeful of retaining his place in Gareth Southgate's squad for the European Championships before making a final decision on his club future.
West Ham manager has been effusive in his praise for Lingard but would not be drawn on how realistic a permanent deal for the Manchester United man is.
"I am not actually sure how realistic it is," said Moyes before West Hams clash with Brighton last week.
"Obviously, I think Jesse [Lingard] has enjoyed himself, I hope he has, we have enjoyed having him and he is Manchester United's player so they can decide what to do with him, and if they want to let him go then let's hope he would consider us as one of his options."
Moyes was again asked about recruitment bearing in mind the likelihood of European football following the win over West Brom with the Scot wary about setting transfer expectations too high.
"If we do need a bigger squad and you do not have the money then you are going to have to find cheaper players or free transfers or find a different type," he said.
"It has never been my style to go and demand money, the club will tell me what they have got to spend and I will try and do the best I can with what I have got.
"I will try and get players in who can improve the team and if we made Europe then it might be different, but I am not there [yet].
"So maybe that question I am hopeful or would like to have to answer after the game on Sunday."
