Tottenham have been linked with a move for free agent Jesse Lingard this summer but look set to miss out on the former Manchester United forward.
Spurs, Everton, Newcastle and West Ham have all been linked with a move for the 29-year-old who has not been short of attractive offers following the expiry of his contract at Old Trafford. Antonio Conte's side have already added Fraser Forster, Ivan Perisic, Yves Bissouma and Richarlison to their ranks ahead of a busy 2022/23 campaign, with the Lilywhites also registering an interest in bringing Lingard to north London.
Tottenham were initially pursuing a deal for free agent Christian Eriksen, but the Danish playmaker looks set to join Manchester United ahead of a return to Spurs. This shows Conte is targeting a creative midfielder this summer and the club reportedly see Lingard as a strong alternative option to Eriksen.
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The England international had a spectacular loan spell with the Hammers back in 2021 after joining the club on loan for the second half of the 2020/21 season, scoring nine goals and registering five assists in 16 appearances. Lingard's versatility would suit Conte's squad with the ability to play on the wing, as a playmaker and a centre-forward, with the Italian boss keen to add depth in key areas with Champions League football to contend with next season.
West Ham are now odds-on to sign Lingard with Betfair slashing the betting odds from 13/8 down to 8/11. A move to Spurs is currently available at a price of 12/1 suggesting the Lilywhites are outsiders to land Lingard this summer.
The 29-year-old will be hoping for a move that offers the guarantee of first-team football with the FIFA World Cup getting underway in November, with it potentially being Lingard's last chance at featuring for England at a major international tournament. Spurs may not be able to offer that seeing them fall behind the likes of West Ham, Everton and Newcastle in the race for the England international's signature.
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