Declan Rice appears to have said his farewell to Jesse Lingard, suggesting the West Ham loan star is set to return to Manchester United this summer.
Lingard bid goodbye to the Hammers, where he enjoyed a stunning spell on loan between January and the end of the season, in an emotional post on Instagram.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for the 28-year-old, who has one year remaining on his contract at Old Trafford.
But Rice's response to Lingard's post on social media suggests the United man will not be returning to West Ham. He helped them to a sixth place finish in the Premier League with nine goals and five assists in 16 appearances for David Moyes' side.
Lingard said: "What a way to end the season. Reaching our goal with this incredible group of lads feels amazing!
"We pushed hard and never gave up! I feel so lucky to have been able to come into such a welcoming environment, everyone connected with the club has shown me just how special this club is.
"So thank you to the gaffer who had the belief in bringing me here. Thank you to all the staff that made it so easy for me to settle and embed into the club so quickly. Thank you to the coaches who helped me find my true self back on the pitch. Thank you to the fans who supported me from the second I arrived.
"It was amazing being able to play in front of you on the last day! And thank you to a special group of lads, as well as making some new lifelong friends training and playing with you all has been one of the highlights of my career! Whatever the future holds West Ham United will hold a special place in my heart!"
Rice was among those who replied to the post.
He responded: "This is emotional brother! Absolute pleasure to share the pitch and changing room with you again! Your going to be missed massively mate."
United hold some interest in defensive midfielder Rice as they look to bolster their squad this summer, while it's been suggested they could cash in on Lingard and clinch a permanent sale.
