Atletico Madrid ‘Leading The Chase’ To Sign Jesse Lingard

Man Utd did a lot of work when it came to personnel shuffling during the winter transfer window.

Ashley Young was sold to Inter while Marcos Rojo was loaned out to Estudiantes as the cry for clearing deadwood was paid heed to. In accordance with the same philosophy, the club is also expected to do something about some of their underperforming stars who are yet to realize the potential that they were long touted for.

Andreas Pereira and Jesse Lingard both fall into this category and this season’s mishaps certainly don’t help their chances. Now, one of them has some high profile pursuers linked to him.

According to ESPN, Jesse Lingard is on the wishlist of both Atletico Madrid and AS Roma, should he elect to leave Man Utd. The 27-year-old midfielder is thought to be regarded highly by both clubs who are ‘leading the chase’ to secure his signature.

Roma are clearly getting a taste for United’s talents, with on-loan defender Chris Smalling proving to be one of their best players so far this season.

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However, it is unclear just how much of an asset Lingard will prove to be for either of these clubs, particularly given how he went the entirety of 2019 without netting or creating a Premier League goal for the Red Devils.

His most recent contributions have been a mixed lot, scoring against League One side Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup but being woefully inadequate against Man City in the Carabao Cup and then again when subbed on against Wolverhampton Wanderers during the 0-0 draw in the Premier League.

His age has meant that fans are losing hope in the once-hailed academy graduate and more than a few of them will subscribe to the notion that the future may lie elsewhere for the homegrown lad.