Manchester United Rumors: Midfielder Close To Joining European Club But Coach Has Different Plans

After not finding a spot in Ole Gunnar Solskajer’s squad, Jesse Lingard might find a new home as Porto FC is keen on signing him.

The Red Devils have been stacked with midfield talents this season. Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes have been the primary options, while Donny van de Beek and Lingard have struggled to find pitch action.

Lingard could be on the verge of taking his talents to Porto FC, Spanish outlet TodoFichajes reported, citing unnamed sources. International Business Times could not independently verify this information.

According to the report, several Portuguese media outlets have revealed that Porto is already in “open negotiations” with Manchester United to seal the deal for Lingard.

The English international has fell out of Solskjaer’s pecking order and is widely viewed as an departing player at Old Trafford.

West Ham, Leicester City, Everton, Tottenham, Inter Milan and Olympique Marseille were also among the clubs interested in Lingard, but the report states that Porto has become the favorite to sign the midfielder.

It has been noted that Porto would be willing to pay his €10 million ($12 million) release clause to acquire his services. However, the outlet bared that they have been told the player isn’t keen on leaving Manchester United.

Though it wasn’t clear whether Porto is interested in a permanent or loan deal for Lingard, Red Devils boss Solskjaer has already given green light for the 28-year-old’s possible loan move.

The Norwegian manager is said to have sanctioned the loan move of Lingard this January window, ESPN reported, citing unnamed sources.

Prior to the ESPN report, Solskjaer is believed to have been keen to keep Lingard on his squad heading into the hectic second half of the English Premier League season.

However, the pair had a talk about the player’s future. Solskajer has reportedly agreed Lingard should be allowed to leave in order to find a regular first team outside Manchester United.

The report added that the Red Devils are set to make a “final decision” regarding Lingard's situation in the coming days.

Lingard has rarely played for Solskjaer this season, having been featured only three times in a Manchester United uniform.

In the 2019-20 Premier League season, the former Manchester United youth team star played 22 games and scored one goal for the first team with a shooting accuracy of 27%.