Jesse Lingard may make return to Manchester United this summer despite West Ham's interest in a permanent transfer.
Lingard, 28, join the Irons on loan in the January window after making just three appearances for the Red Devils this season.
The move proved a masterstroke as the Englishman hit his best vein of form in years with nine goals and four assists in the Premier League.
Given Lingard's impressive form, West Ham are expected to pursue a permanent deal for the Three Lions playmaker at the end of the season.
However the Daily Mail claims Lingard is hoping for a four-year contract worth in excess of £100,000 per week.
Given he has one year remaining on his Red Devils contract, West Ham may be confident of agreeing a reasonable fee for Lingard's services.
But his wage demands may prove a deal-breaker, as the contract would be worth an eye-watering total just shy of £21million.
West Ham suffered losses of £65million last season and their financial blow is likely to be bigger this term.
How much is Lingard worth in today's transfer market? Have your say in the comments.
The club has put all contract negotiations on hold since agreeing an extension with Michail Antonio in December to keep the forward at the London Stadium until 2023.
Manager David Moyes is expected to be handed improved terms after leading West Ham to the brink of European qualification.
But Hammers chiefs have also put his talks on ice until they receive assurances from the government that fans will return to stadiums en masse next season.
As for Lingard, numerous clubs have been taken by his recent resurgence, but many share West Ham's financial troubles.
As such, it seems he will return to Old Trafford this summer unless there is a change in the landscape before the end of June.
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