West Ham in talks for Villarreal forward in addition to Jesse Lingard

West Ham United are set to step up their search for more options in attack with two transfer targets.

From his perspective, Jesse Lingard’s career was no doubt mapped out to become a fully-fledged representative of Manchester United.

While he achieved this to an extent in the near eight years since making his competitive debut for his boyhood club, it was a loan that felt like the moment his career had been building up to.

Lingard joined West Ham midway through the 2020/21 season and wasted no time in making an impact scoring two goals on his debut against Aston Villa.

He went on to notch nine goals and five assists in just 16 appearances for the Hammers, relishing the added responsibility afforded to him by former United boss David Moyes.

Many expected the 29-year-old to re-join his temporary employers on a permanent basis following the conclusion of the six-month loan, yet the reassurance of further involvement at Old Trafford led him to stay ahead of the 2021/22 season.

Then manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer failed to follow through on his promise, however, as Lingard struggled for game-time despite the Red Devil’s floundering form.

Making 16 appearances in the Premier League with just two coming from the start, the England international failed to capitalise on the albeit sparse opportunities to stake a claim under Solskjaer and succeeding interim manager Ralf Rangnick.

Jesse Lingard and Manchester United part ways

Intent on the exit door following a wasted year sat on the sidelines, Lingard’s eventual departure from the club he joined aged seven was confirmed in a statement via Manchester United’s website.

His contract is set to expire at the end of June with talk of an extension non-existent highlighting the mutual nature of the parting of ways.

"“Manchester United can confirm that Jesse Lingard will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of June,” the announcement read.“An academy graduate and dyed-in-the-wool Red, Jesse has been with United for over 20 years, having originally joined our Under-9s team in 2001.”Via: ManUtd.com"

Return to West Ham imminent for Jesse Lingard?

After news of his imminent withdrawal surfaced, links with a return to West Ham expectedly came to light.

That being said, the latest developments suggest a reunion exceeds purely speculation partnered with the putting of two and two together by fans and media personnel alike.

Higher-ups at the London Stadium have held talks with the player and his representatives over a free transfer with Sky Sports stating an offer has been tabled.

Leicester City, Everton and Newcastle United have also been cited as holding an interest in Lingard but they may have to take their business elsewhere if recent reports are to be believed.

Football Insider understands the contract offered by West Ham is ‘lucrative’ and the player is ‘very keen’ on a return to the capital.

David Moyes to add Villarreal’s Arnaut Danjuma as well as Lingard?

Adding firepower in attack is clearly of utmost priority for West Ham boss David Moyes as he looks to lessen the load on sole striker Michail Antonio.

The Jamaican international started the season in sensational form but saw his impact curtail as it progressed perhaps attributed to the fixture load.

As a result of this and with the UEFA Conference League to contend with in the 2022/23 campaign, it is vital for Moyes to add depth to his ranks.

While Jesse Lingard’s acquisition would offer the Scot more in attacking midfield and on either flank, Villarreal’s Arnaut Danjuma is a priority target to lead the line.

The former Bournemouth man has seen his stock rise exponentially since making the switch to the East of Spain and played a vital role in Unai Emery’s side reaching a Champions League semi-final.

Spanish outlet Relevo, as quoted by Inside Futbol, reports negotiations are underway with a fee of €36m plus add-ons being discussed.

Although, West Ham may be forced to reach deeper in their coffers as Danjuma, 25, has a release clause of €54m. Villarreal are said to be open to cashing in on the Netherlands international, therefore leaving the door ajar to a transfer.

West Ham have already secured the services of Rennes centre-back Nayef Aguerd and are nearing the signing of Alphonse Areola from PSG after a successful loan last season.