The lure of a cheap deal is always a tempting one, but reports linking Jesse Lingard with a possible switch to Everton shouldn’t generate too much excitement.
The Mirror reported that the midfielder’s representatives are ‘seeking out potential options’ which would see him go out on loan in January.
The Manchester United man has slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford in a telltale sign of his inconsistency and is largely on the fringes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad.
So far this season, the 27-year-old has made just two appearances – both in the Carabao Cup – and his lack of opportunities has prompted his entourage to look for the possibility of a move elsewhere. A short-term minor injury briefly hampered Lingard’s campaign but he nonetheless remains an outcast in United’s plans.
According to reports, West Ham and Everton have been touted as possible destinations along with La Liga outfit Real Sociedad – but this deal would be better off left in the hands of a former Toffees manager in David Moyes in east London rather than Goodison Park incumbent Carlo Ancelotti.
READ EVERTON VERDICT
Despite featuring prominently in England’s run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, Lingard’s inconsistency at club level is a major warning sign. He may have racked up 33 goals and 20 assists at United, but that is across more than 300 appearances, a return indicative of his lack of impact on a consistent basis.
For this reason, it is hard to know whether Lingard could meaningfully compete with the likes of James Rodriguez and Allan for a place in Everton’s attack.
It is possible that a move could spark new life into the player, but this seem like a gamble not worth taking.
