West Ham are warming to the idea of offering Jesse Lingard a contract this summer, it has been reported by ExWHUEmployee.

It was reported exclusively earlier this week by Ex that the former Manchester United midfielder, who spent a very successful loan spell in east London in 2021, was training with our Hammers this summer in an effort to build up his fitness levels.

The West Ham Way Podcast co-host and club insider has further advised that the player has impressed so far since his return and now the chances of a contract being offered from West Ham have improved, with the club increasingly warming to the idea, although the player still has to prove his fitness.

“Club officials are becoming increasingly warmer to the idea,” stated Ex on Patreon. “Mark Noble will be important in trying to get the player settle and performing to the expectations should he sign.

“The player is said to have impressed since being back and the possibility of a short term deal has edged closer. With European games and early cup games coming up it is felt within the club that a short term deal with reduced wages could allow the club some cover/depth and a way to check whether they could give him a deal – with a further year deal with an option of a second coming as a result of meeting these expectations.

“Since he has been back at the club the Tik Tok and instagram videos/pictures of him doing dances etc do appear to have reduced too and it is said that he is in good physical condition. Whilst this deal is still described as a small chance of happening.”

Ex has stressed that the player still needs to display his fitness and continue to work hard to earn a potential deal, with manager David Moyes confirming this since by stating that no offer has yet to be discussed for the former Nottingham Forest midfielder.

Jess Baker-Smith, who hosts our brand new weekly ‘Stoppage Time’ show on The West Ham Way Channel, believes that West Ham could be striking an excellent deal should Lingard repeat the level of performances he did when on loan at the club.

“Just when we thought his name couldn’t possibly be linked to another transfer window, here he is,” exclaimed Baker-Smith. “He’s said to have impressed the coaching staff this week in training with his fitness, attitude and his determination to get back to his best, which was probably last time he wore a West Ham shirt in 2021!

“If West Ham could get the Lingard of old back from that season we’re looking at a great coup with lower wages and risk free from the boys in claret & blue.”

The very first episode of Stoppage Time will be available from 6pm tonight.