Everton set sights on free transfer for Manchester United international

Everton are looking into the possibility of bringing Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard to Goodison Park.

According to a report from The Telegraph, the Toffees could look to snap up the 28-year-old once his contract at Old Trafford expires next summer.

It is understood that a number of sides are keen on the playmaker, with Newcastle United, West Ham and Serie A giants AC Milan all said to be monitoring his situation after talks over a potential extension to his current deal with boyhood club United stalled.

What are the bookies saying?

Perhaps somewhat unsurprisingly, the bookies have installed Lingard’s former loan side West Ham as the firm favourites to sign him at a price of just 1/2 on SkyBet.

After that, Newcastle come in at a much heftier 12/1, with AC Milan way behind on 33/1.

Interestingly, Everton aren’t mentioned at all by the bookmakers, although it is worth nothing that those odds refer to a potential January move.

It is widely expected that Lingard will wait until the end of the season, when he is a free agent, to leave Old Trafford, and if that is the case then the Toffees could see their hopes grow substantially.

How likely are Everton to seal the deal?

It’s hard to look past West Ham as a Lingard’s likely next destination, truth be told.

The England international enjoyed a stunning run of form during his stint in the capital last season, and he’s still a hugely popular figure amongst Hammers supporters.

That being said, if the pursuit for Lingard’s services can be dragged on into the summer, and if Everton can propose an attractive package to the player while still allowing him to remain in the north west, perhaps they could emerge as dark horses for his signature.

What are the fans saying?

The general consensus on any potential deal for Lingard seems to be surprisingly pessimistic.

@mickadams117 tweeted: “Please please please NO”

@lagusso1 tweeted: “Lingard is not coming, get over it. If you are 28 years old and you can go to Everton or West Ham, West Ham will win. That’s hard to take but it is what it is”.

@AndrewNPowell: tweeted: “He's a good player but I want to see a transfer strategy from our decision makers. We don't have much money available, and we've wasted so much. I want youth, pace, and athleticism.”

Some fans weren’t quite so downbeat, however.

@andylord1981: “No-brainer if the opportunity presents”