David Moyes has made his position on Jesse Lingard crystal clear amid fitness concern claims ahead of a West Ham deal decision.
A decision on a West Ham deal for free agent Jesse Lingard is due in the coming week before the club has to submit its squad to the Premier League.
The summer transfer window may be closed but clubs can still sign out of contract player before they submit their squad lists.
The Hammers are expected to make one final addition in the shape of Lingard before they submit that list.
Fond memories of the midfielder shining during his unforgettable six-month loan spell at the London Stadium – where he helped fire West Ham to within one win of Champions League qualification and their record Premier League points total – means many are open to “forgiving” his decision to snub the Hammers for Forest last year.
David Moyes makes his position on Jesse Lingard crystal clear amid fitness concern claims ahead of West Ham deal decision
In light of West Ham’s failure to sign a striker before the deadline, Lingard’s ability to play up front or as a second forward is not lost on the club’s supporters.
Many also feel he is perfectly suited to the team’s counter attacking style.
The 30-year-old posted on social media over the weekend showing himself working up a sweat in training and watching West Ham win as the decision on signing him looms.
But what a West Ham source told a board confidant about Lingard’s poor fitness levels has sparked concerns over a deal.
Now David Moyes has made his position on Lingard crystal clear amid those fitness concern claims ahead of a West Ham deal decision.
‘He’s shown a great attitude to his work’
“Jesse’s doing quite well and he’s getting his shape back,” Moyes is quoted as saying by The Athletic on Saturday.
“But there will be no discussion on Jesse yet. When we’re ready, we will do; but he’s working hard and he’s shown a great attitude to his work.
“It’s taken a bit of time to get him back into condition.”
That is reassuring for Hammers fans who have warmed to the idea of re-signing the fleet-footed star.
The positive is that Lingard now has this international break to really catch up with regards his fitness.
And should he sign, there will be ample opportunity for Lingard to play with West Ham set for another bumper 50-game plus season.