Manchester United open to January sale of attacker

Manchester United are prepared to sanction the sale of Jesse Lingard when the transfer window reopens in January.

The England international was heavily touted for a summer exit, but manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decided to keep him.

Lingard has been handy for the club this term with a couple of goals off the bench including a winner at West Ham United.

They are keen to keep him for the long term, but it appears that the 28-year-old could cut ties with the club in the New Year.

Lingard has only nine months remaining on his contract, and he has no desire to extend his stay unless he is guaranteed starts.

That is unlikely to happen. He appears set to end his two-decade association with the club. United could sell him for £15 million.

Lingard excelled for the Hammers on loan earlier this year with nine goals and five assists from just 16 league appearances.

They are likely to return for his services in January, but may face competition from Newcastle United after their takeover.

The Magpies are now under the control of a Saudi-based consortium and they are expected to spend big on high-profile players.