Manchester United Completes Another Loan Deal, Gives Verdict On Lingard's West Ham Link-Up

Manchester United has decided to send another player out on loan this season while still dealing with West Ham’s apparent interest in Jesse Lingard.

Brandon Williams will be spending the new English Premier League season on loan after completing his move to Norwich City, Manchester United announced on Monday.

The 20-year-old is only the second Manchester United player to secure a loan move elsewhere in the English Premier League this summer–the first being Axel Tuanzebe at Aston Villa.

The full-back is expected to become a regular at Norwich first team and will return to Old Trafford at the end of the 2021-22 season.

Prior to his loan move, Williams--who was described by the club as an “aggressive” tackler--functioned as an efficient alternative to the then-injured Luke Shaw in the 2019-20 season and made 14 appearances across all competitions for the Red Devils in the previous campaign.

Despite already being signed by Norwich, Williams is still being eyed by Southampton.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent midway through last season, Southampton CEO Martin Semmens confirmed the Saints’ interest in raiding Williams when the “opportunity” arises.

"Lockdown and COVID don’t change our desire to improve where we need to and when we can, particularly in that defensive unit,” Semmes said. "If we had an opportunity to do a deal for a player such as Brandon [Williams], then we would do it.”

"[Southampton manager] Ralph [Hasenhuttl] has got a very clear view on it, which is that if somebody can improve the squad and make us better, either now or in six months’ time, then we will do it,” he added.

Aside from Williams, Manchester United would also need to fend off interest from West Ham United, the Premier League club reportedly very keen on signing Lingard on a permanent deal.

The Hammers have made another “enquiry” to possibly convince the Red Devils to offload Lingard after the midfielder’s remarkable loan spell at David Moyes’ side last season, ESPN reported, citing unnamed sources.

Moyes earlier admitted that he fancies having Lingard in his squad once again. However, the ESPN report said Manchester United quickly turned down West Ham’s approach.

Lingard has been outspoken about his desire to become a first-team regular, something West Ham has granted in his maiden loan spell with the club.

The 28-year-old left a good impression with the Hammers, having bagged nine goals and four assists in 16 Premier League games this past season.