Manchester United to block attacker's move to West Ham?

Manchester United are likely to deny Jesse Lingard from joining West Ham United during the January transfer window.

The England international has played just over 60 minutes of league football this term, and he is keen to part ways.

He had a terrific loan spell with the Hammers earlier this year, and they are planning a winter approach to sign him.

However, according to The Telegraph, the east London outfit are likely to be denied the opportunity to secure his services.

Lingard's deal expires at the end of the campaign. United are open to selling him, but regard the Hammers as a top-four rival.

They prefer selling or loaning him out to a foreign club while Newcastle United have also been linked with an approach.

Lingard is widely expected to reject a move to the Magpies despite their takeover from a Saudi-led consortium last month.

The Tyneside outfit are languishing bottom of the Premier League table with just six points, already five adrift of safety.