Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard needs to be careful not to price himself out of a potential permanent move to West Ham United this summer, according to former Man City defender Danny Mills.
Lingard struggled for game time at Old Trafford in the first half of last season before joining West Ham on loan in January, where he scored nine goals and assisted four more in 16 games as he helped the Hammers to earn Europa League football for next season.
Manager David Moyes was delighted by his impact on the squad on and off the pitch and is said to be keen to make the deal a permanent one, with Lingard entering the final 12 months of his Manchester United contract.
United are yet to determine his future but former England and Leeds man Mills thinks a potential barrier to a permanent switch to West Ham could be his wages.
Speaking to Football Insider, Mills was asked if the east London side would be keen to match his financial expectations.
"No is the answer. I think they’ll look at it and say ‘You’ve had a fabulous six months and you’ve been re-energised but you were trying to prove yourself.'
"Before that, I know there were certain issues around it, but he hadn’t had a good spell for a couple of seasons.
“You always have in the back of your mind ‘What if it happens again? What if we throw all our money at it and then that happens?
“I’m sure there’s a deal to be done with bonuses and incentives and that sort of thing.
“Of course he’s going to ask to be one of the best-paid players because his stock is high at the moment. But can you expect to be paid more than Declan Rice for example? No, you can’t.
“There are other players who would have their noses put out of joint if he earns more than anyone else. There’s no reason why he doesn’t deserve what he’s on. But I’m not sure who else is going to give him a rise or a big rise.
“Yes, you have to do what’s best for yourself but just be careful not to price yourself out of the market.”
