Jesse Lingard may make an unexpected return to Manchester United this summer as West Ham face difficulties to finance a permanent transfer.
Lingard, 28, join the Irons on loan in the January window after making just three appearances for the Red Devils this season.
The move proved a masterstroke as the Englishman hit his best vein of form in years with nine goals and four assists in the Premier League.
Given Lingard's impressive form, West Ham were widely expected to pursue a permanent deal for the Three Lions playmaker at the end of the season.
But they are quickly realising they will struggle to meet Lingard's contract demands as the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic hits home.
© Pool via REUTERSLingard is demanding a contract worth a total of almost £21million
That's according to the Daily Mail , which claims Lingard is hoping for a four-year contract worth in excess of £100,000 per week.
Given he has one year remaining on his Red Devils contract, West Ham may be confident of agreeing a reasonable fee for Lingard's services.
But his wage demands may prove a deal-breaker, as the contract would be worth an eye-watering total just shy of £21million.
© PAThe playmaker did not feature in the top flight for the Red Devils in the first half of the season
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West Ham suffered losses of £65million last season and their financial blow is likely to be bigger this term.
The club has put all contract negotiations on hold since agreeing an extension with Michail Antonio in December to keep the forward at the London Stadium until 2023.
Manager David Moyes is expected to be handed improved terms after leading West Ham to the brink of European qualification.
But Hammers chiefs have also put his talks on ice until they receive assurances from the government that fans will return to stadiums en masse next season.
As for Lingard, numerous clubs have been taken by his recent resurgence, but many share West Ham's financial troubles.
As such, it seems he will return to Old Trafford this summer unless there is a change in the landscape before the end of June.
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