West Ham make approach for Manchester United midfielder

West Ham manager David Moyes is looking to raid former club Manchester United for wantaway midfielder Jesse Lingard, claims The Guardian.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reluctantly agreed to let Lingard leave United on loan this month and several Premier League clubs are keen on his signature.

Newcastle and Sheffield United have reportedly expressed an interest but West Ham are the favourites after approaching United.

Lingard has dropped completely down the pecking order under Solskjaer and hasn't started a Premier League game in over a year.

The former England international hasn't even appeared in the league this season and is even prepared to leave his boyhood club in a desperate attempt to get playing again.

West Ham are even in the process of making Said Benrahma's loan switch from Brentford permanent six months early in order to free up space for Lingard.

Under current Premier League rules, clubs are only permitted a maximum of two loan signings from English clubs in any given season.

West Ham stuck loan deals with Benrahma from Brentford and Watford's Craig Dawson in the summer but making the former's switch permanent would make another space for a loan signing.

Lingard has only managed five goals in his last 49 Premier League appearances, returning only one in 22 outings last season.