Jesse Lingard's loan spell at West Ham officially comes to an end today - Wednesday, June 30 - with the England international returning to his parent club Manchester United.
The 28-year-old's future is unclear with speculation mounting around who he will line up for at the start of next season.
According to reports in The Sun, Lingard could be offered a new deal to remain at Old Trafford and fight for his spot in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team next season. His current deal at Manchester United is set to expire in 12 months' time and Lingard is at a crossroads in his career.
The attacking-midfielder fell well down the pecking order at Old Trafford but the move to West Ham sparked a rejuvenation under David Moyes and a return to the England set-up, albeit one that did not stretch to the final Euro 2020 squad.
Lingard scored nine goals and added four assists to his name during his 16-game stint at the London Stadium and Moyes made it clear he wanted the midfielder to return to the Hammers permanently.
"I hope Jesse is here [next season], we would like to keep him but there is no guarantee, he is not our player," he said.
"He has done an exceptional job for us on loan and we will see where we go from there."
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, speaking to the Strettycast podcast, the only competition West Ham face for Lingard's signature is from Manchester United.
Lingard has a straight decision between a return to the Hammers or extending his deal at Old Trafford, with no other club a consideration for the 28-year-old.
Romano said: "It’s West Ham or Manchester United. I don’t see him leaving for another club because he was great at West Ham. If he has to leave Manchester United, it’s to join West Ham.
"If not, he’s staying at Manchester United and they’re going to discuss his contract."
