Manchester United Star 'Held Talks' With Barcelona, Other Clubs Over Possible Loan Move: Report

A Manchester United star has been linked to transfer rumors once again amid the club’s recent disastrous run.

Following his remarkable loan spell with West Ham United, Jesse Lingard had hoped to continue where he left off back at Manchester United. However, things have not gone down the way he may have expected and wanted.

Lingard started the current season just right but eventually slipped down Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s pecking order en route to the international break. Disappointed by being left out, the 28-year-old is now working on his Manchester United departure once again, The Daily Telegraph reported. International Business Times could not independently verify this information.

The dejection of losing and the lack of playing time over the last four months reportedly were enough for Lingard to make a new decision about his future. He and his representatives have “held talks” with big-name clubs such as Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Serie A side AC Milan regarding a potential loan move, the report said.

The Red Devils, on the other hand, were hoping to keep Lingard. However, the report said that talks over a new contract have “collapsed,” and at this point, the England attacker is unlikely to have a change of heart with regards to his decision to leave the club.

West Ham is the ideal landing spot for Lingard given his successful stint with the Hammers last season. However, the report noted that it is unclear whether David Moyes’ side would want a second loan spell and pursue him once again in the next transfer window.

Lingard’s current deal with Manchester United is set to expire next summer. Looking at the trajectory, he could be available for a reasonable price in the January window or leave Manchester United on a free transfer next year.

Ahead of Manchester United’s game against Watford, Solskjaer addressed the speculations about Lingard’s future with the club.

Solskjaer acknowledged that Lingard has not been happy about not being able to play but said the attacking midfielder is still determined to play for him. The Manchester United boss also said that he has no further knowledge about the status of the player’s contract.

“Jesse [Lingard] is training really hard, really well, and he’s ready and available for me,” Solskjaer told the club’s official website. “He’s definitely disappointed he’s not played more, of course.”

“But with regards to contract situations, I’ve not been in the talks very closely, so for me, Jesse’s still a big, important part of this squad,” he continued. “He gives energy and quality to the group every day.”