According to a report on the Athletic, Manchester United are pondering a swap deal between Jesse Lingard and Declan Rice. Jesse Lingard has rejuvenated his career since moving to West Ham United this January on a loan deal. West Ham will surely want to sign him permanently in the summer but there is no such pre-existing clause in this loan agreement.
In nine Premier League games for the Hammers this season, Jesse Lingard has netted eight goals and recorded four assists. He seems to have found his rhythm and looks to be in the best shape of his career.
On the other hand, Declan Rice is attracting interest from many clubs across Europe. Manchester United are also keen to get Rice to Old Trafford this summer. Declan Rice is a pivotal part of the West Ham midfield and is their most prized possession. The 22-year old has been sensational this season as well. His performances and leadership on the pitch have aided West Ham’s sustained bid for a Champions League spot.
David Moyes has mostly used Lingard as a number 10 in his team. A position where Manchester United already have Bruno Fernandes. It is fair to say that even Lingard’s sublime form is not enough to dislodge Fernandes from that spot. Thus, the only available position for Lingard is on the right-wing if he aims to start every game for Manchester United. But Solskjaer is in the transfer market searching for a pacy right-winger. If any big signing is made, Lingard will lose that spot as well. Thus, it does make a lot of sense to cash in on Lingard when his value has increased.
Declan Rice: Perfect fit for Manchester United?
Nemanja Matic is coming to the end of his career at Old Trafford. The Serbian international will turn 33 this August. Even though Matic is defensively robust, he lacks pace which leaves United exposed at times.
Declan Rice could be the ideal replacement for the veteran midfielder. Rice has a great understanding of the game. He helps his team defensively and has the legs to move forward as well. He is a great distributor of the ball and can aid in quickly switching the flank. The England international has made the third-highest interceptions (58) this season in the Premier League which tells how accurately he reads the game.
At this young age, he has years to improve and will play his best football at whichever club he chooses next. Having Declan Rice will give Solskjaer’s backline more confidence and also motivate the forward players to attack with more freedom. West Ham won’t let him leave easily though.
David Moyes has stated that it will take ‘Bank of England and Bank of Scotland‘ money to allow Rice to depart. Swapping Lingard with Rice will be considered as an ideal deal for the Red Devils and something which seems to be the only scenario that has a semblance of possibility in which Declan Rice leaves his current club.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored