Solskjaer Gives Green Light To $103K-A-Week Winger's Departure: Report

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly has given a green signal to Jesse Lingard's departure from Manchester United on loan at the ongoing January transfer window.

With Solskjaer sanctioning Lingard's loan move, the final decision now lies in the hands of Manchester United's board, unnamed sources have told ESPN. But International Business Times could not verify it independently.

Ahead of a busy second half of the 2020-21 campaign, Solskjaer has been keen to keep Lingard in his squad. However, following the talks with the player, the Manchester United boss has agreed to let the player move away to find regular first-team play.

Even though several clubs abroad are interested in Lingard, the 28-year-old winger is keen to stay in the Premier League. It is believed that he may end up in Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Sheffield United or and West Brom. After playing a crucial role in England's run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018, Lingard is being referred to many managers by his England boss, Gareth Southgate, and his deputy, Steve Holland.

The ESPN report has also stated that Lingard's immediate future will be decided in the coming days. In the ongoing season, Lingard, who reportedly earns $103K per week, has struggled to find a place in Manchester United's first team, having played only three times and starting twice.

Lingard's two starts have come in the cup games, one against Luton in the League Cup in September and the second against Watford in the FA Cup earlier this month. The Englishman is yet to feature in the Premier League this season. He was last included in the matchday squad for a league game against Aston Villa on New Year's Day.

Before Christmas, Manchester United triggered a one-year extension in Lingard's deal to keep him at the club until 2022. But the player has been desperate for more playtime and has requested the club and head coach for permission to leave on loan.

After graduating from Manchester United's academy, Lingard made his first-team debut in 2014 under Louis van Gaal and since then, the attacking midfielder has scored 33 goals in 210 competitive appearances. Lingard, who has been capped 24 times by England, has impressed Southgate and Holland, who are keen on providing regular games to the Red Devils player.