Declan Rice has posted a crpytic message on Jesse Lingard's Instagram after he returned to training with Manchester United.
The England pair were team-mates at West Ham last term after Lingard headed to east London on loan.
The 28-year-old was able to resurrect his career at the Hammers, scoring nine times in 16 games as he enjoyed an excellent end to the campaign.
Lingard has now returned to Old Trafford and posted a picture of himself and Michael Carrick on social media with the caption: "Back at it! Feeling good".
Rice though as commented, saying: "I see u" with an eyes emoji, which may only serve to increase transfer speculation.
The Hammers midfielder, who was a star for England at Euro 2020, has been linked with a switch to Manchester.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to add someone in the middle of the park with the likes of Edouardo Camavinga linked.
Rice has also been touted as a target, but Lingard remains of interest to West Ham.
David Moyes' side threatened to secure a top four spot and Lingard was crucial to their late season form.
The player's wages have been touted as a potential issue whilst Solskjaer said in January that he never expected Lingard to leave permanently and has always planned for his return.
He is set to have showdown talks with the Red Devils boss as he seeks answers regarding his role in the squad.
Lingard has just 12 months remaining on his United deal which could force the club's hand as the player himself targets regular minutes.
"Regular football is the most important thing for me," Lingard told Sky Sports News in June . "After going on loan and getting a good run in the team, you started to see the real me, with the goals and the assists.
"I've never doubted my ability, I've always believed in myself. I spoke to the manager [Ole Gunnar Solskjaer] in pre-season and said, 'I need game time'.
"He said, 'we can discuss it December time', and we spoke again and he agreed to let me go on loan.
"I had various conversations with him during my time at West Ham. He was very supportive and it was a great loan for me."
In May, Moyes was quizzed on a potential Lingard's return: "I couldn't say any more than I'm hopeful Jesse might want to come here, that's up to Manchester United, but he's been a positive signing."
United look set to add Jadon Sancho in the coming days whilst moves for Raphael Varane and Kieran Trippier remain in the pipeline.
