Barcelona To Sign England Star Who Could Leave Manchester United For More Game Time

FC Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United star Jesse Lingard, who is also being chased by Serie A club AC Milan.

Lingard is set to be out of contract at the end of the 2021-22 campaign and has not signed an extension yet with Manchester United. He will be allowed to negotiate with foreign clubs from Jan. 1. He is ready to move out of the U.K. as he is planning his career’s next step, reported ESPN.

The 28-year-old midfielder has made only six appearances for Manchester United this season and has so far not featured in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting XI in the Premier League. He has netted two goals in the league this season, including the winner in the Red Devils’ 2-1 win over West Ham at the London Stadium.

The assurance of regular first-team soccer will have a huge role in any decision Lingard makes regarding his future with the Red Devils. Enough opportunities on the club level will push Lingard’s chances to bag a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. He was named in England’s latest squad and played 73 minutes in the 5-0 win over Andorra on Oct. 9.

Lingard, who rose through the ranks of Manchester United’s youth setup, made his first-team debut in 2011. After being sent on various loan deals, Lingard has finally returned to the Old Trafford side this season.

Manchester United are prepared to cash in on Lingard during the upcoming winter market in January, according to the soccer website Eye Football. Lingard’s two-decade association with the Red Devils could end in a few months as the club is preparing to sell him at around $20 million. It is understood that Lingard has already rejected a contract extension with Manchester United and the Red Devils are yet to return with a new offer.

Lingard has scored 74 goals and provided 55 assists, across various clubs, so far in his competitive career