Leicester City are targeting a move for Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard if the Foxes lose one of their star players. Lingard could be up for sale this summer following an impressive loan spell with West Ham United.
Football.London have reported that the Foxes have earmarked the United attacking midfielder as a potential replacement for James Maddison. Maddison is on Arsenal’s transfer wishlist this summer and the Gunners could make a move for him soon. Maddison has been with the club since 2018, joining from Norwich City for a fee of £20 million.
Jesse Lingard, the player who could replace him, could be allowed to leave as he is in the final year of his contract at Manchester United. He had a superb second half of the 2020-21 Premier League season with the Hammers, scoring 9 goals and assisting 5 times in 16 games.
Jesse Lingard: Good replacement?
Jesse Lingard had a tumultuous few seasons at Manchester United as personal issues and a drop in form hurt his game time. But, his loan spell with West Ham changed things around for him as he got back to his best, away from the bright lights of Old Trafford.
Lingard could be a good replacement for James Maddison, who has been a vital player for the Foxes in recent years. The Manchester United player is an attacking midfielder who likes to dribble at players, play quick one-twos and get into the penalty box, while also shoot at goal whenever the opportunity arises.
He is a clever player who is always on the move and does a good job of linking up play between midfield and attack. He plays in a similar role to Maddison as an attacking midfielder behind the striker, but isn’t adept at playing as part of a midfield three like Maddison does. Jesse Lingard can also play out wide on the wing and likes to drift into central areas with the ball.
He might not be as creative or influential in midfield as the Leicester man but in his latest avatar is more clinical and confident in front of goal.
The Manchester United attacker has vast experience, the ability to create something out of nothing, and also work hard in attack and defence. He is set to enter the prime years of his career and has a lot to offer as he showed in his loan spell with West Ham. United reportedly wanted a fee of around £30 million for Lingard, which may seem a little steep for a 28-year-old who is set to enter the final year of his contract.
But, Leicester could afford to sign Lingard if they sell Maddison, who is expected to fetch a minimum of £50 million, as per various reports.