According to ESPN, Tottenham Hotspur are keeping tabs on Jesse Lingard. Jose Mourinho is still eyeing the Manchester United star as he looks forward to a potential reunion. However, it is believed that the attacker may not be a part of the club’s January clearout, with Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer having doubts over his side’s overall squad depth for the second half of the campaign. Lingard himself, though, is unhappy at Old Trafford and wants to leave the club this month.
What Can Lingard Bring To The Table?
Lingard has had a difficult spell at Manchester United over the past couple of years, especially following the departure of Mourinho. He has fallen behind the likes of Juan Mata, Bruno Fernandes and other attackers in the pecking order, ultimately mustering only 99 minutes of league football in the ongoing campaign.
Despite his lack of game-time, however, Lingard is regarded as a dynamic playmaker who is often a scourge for the defenders on the counter. He is not afraid to take on the opposition and can link-up with his teammates using one-touch passes. Another key asset in the Englishman’s game is his willingness to test the opposing goalkeeper with his vicious right foot.
One area where Lingard certainly needs to improve upon is his consistency. The 28-year-old simply isn’t consistent with his productivity or form in front of goal, which has been one of the primary reasons behind his fall from grace at Old Trafford.
Is Lingard An Ideal Option For Tottenham?
Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Lingard is hardly surprising as they brace themselves for the potential departure of Dele Alli. The attacker has been strongly linked with a move to PSG this month, with Mauricio Pochettino reportedly keen on a reunion.
Alli’s departure could create a void in Spurs’ attacking unit. But it is probably fair to point out that the Lilywhites already have a lot of depth, especially in Lingard’s preferred number ten slot.
Tanguy Ndombele has been a revelation this season, becoming a key creative outlet in central midfield. In addition, Mourinho also has the option of deploying Giovani Lo Celso, even though the Argentine has had a slow start to the campaign due to injuries. A playmaker, therefore, shouldn’t be the priority for Spurs in this ongoing January transfer window.
Lingard may not be the best of options either as the Manchester United star has played very little football in the past couple of years. Although Mourinho has worked with him in the past, the Portuguese tactician could instead eye a move for a younger, long-term replacement for Alli.
