West Ham hope to use friendship with Declan Rice to seal transfer for Man United winger Jesse Lingard

West Ham United have reignited their interest in Jesse Lingard and hope to use the friendship between the midfielder and close pal Declan Rice to seal the deal.

Lingard has played his last game for Manchester United, but there are reports that Newcastle United are leading the race for his signature this summer.

But Lingard’s successful loan spell at the London Stadium is still fresh in the mind of the midfielder.

He scored nine goals in 16 games in east London, and almost made the England team for the Euros after playing some of his best football under David Moyes.

The 29-year-old wasted little time in adapting to the playing style at West Ham due to his close relationship with captain Declan Rice, and the Hammers are hoping to use that as a key to unlock negotiations and get him back to the club.

According to a report on Sky Sports, the Hammers have made contact with representatives of the winger and will try to lure him with a good financial and emotional package.

The Hammers stuttered at the end of the season, after losing to eventual Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt.

They also fell to a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Brighton Hove and Albion on the last day of the Premiere League season, and missed a chance to climb above Manchester United and take Europa League football.

David Moyes is hoping to add more fire power upfront after counting on Michail Antonio all season, and even though the Jamaica international did well, he clearly needed some help in the end.

There is also the need for squad depth because the Hammers will have to combine competing to finish in the top six of the Premier League next season and play in the daunting Europa League Conference.