TOTTENHAM reportedly joined the race to sign Jesse Lingard on a free transfer.
Antonio Conte is eager to add another home-grown player to his squad ahead of the new season.
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Lingard was released by Manchester United boys’ club when his contract expired on Thursday night.
And that means the midfielder is now unemployed with the new Premier League season just five weeks away.
However, according to The Telegraph, he could be picked up by Spurs.
Conte has already brought forward attackers Ivan Perisic and Richarlison as well as Yves Bissouma.
But Lingard will offer something in between, mainly as a creative midfielder where he has previously shone for England.
The new contracts also take Conte over the quota not made for Tottenham’s Champions League return this season, so the former United academy star will also help on that front.
Despite a hugely overwhelming season, playing 540 minutes of football over 21 appearances, the 29-year-old is seen as a “low-risk” signing, the report adds.
He excelled during his loan spell at West Ham in 2020-’21, and found himself back in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
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And there’s still a chance he’s able to rejoin the Hammers this summer.
However, Everton also joined the group of clubs that were on the lookout for the winners of the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League – especially after losing Richarlison to Spurs.
Newcastle, Brighton, Rome and Sevilla are also betting on Lingard.
The midfielder was one of 11 players released by the Red Devils this summer, including Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani and Juan Mata.