Everton are reportedly targetting a January swoop for Manchester United attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard.
The 28-year-old returned to Old Trafford from an outstanding loan spell with West Ham last season but has struggled for regular starting opportunities in Manchester.
Out of contract at the end of the season, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is adamant there is a future for the ‘brilliant’ England international at the club.
However, according to a report from Football Insider, as cited by Toffee TV on Twitter, the Blues are keen on taking Lingard on a loan-to-buy deal.
The report claims that the 32-cap ace is on the ‘target list’ at Goodison Park as Rafa Benitez is a ‘big admirer’.
So far this season Lingard has scored twice and registered one assist in seven fleeting outings across all competitions.
READ EVERTON VERDICT
Signing a goalscoring midfielder would bolster Everton’s squad no end – particularly in the wake of Abdoulaye Doucoure’s injury setback.
Were Lingard to make anything remotely similar to the impact he made in east London last term – scoring nine goals and adding five assists in 16 appearances – Benitez would relish the addition of the versatile forward.
Valued at £19.8million (Transfermarkt) and amidst a contract impasse, any loan move would see the Blues well-positioned for a permanent capture.
