Premier League rivals enter race for Jesse Lingard

Tottenham Hotspur have joined West Ham United in the race to sign Manchester United playmaker Jesse Lingard.

The England international has entered the final six months of his United deal, and he is free to speak with foreign clubs this month.

However, he reportedly prefers to continue in the Premier League amid high-profile interest from West Ham and Tottenham.

According to football.london, both clubs are in the mix to sign him, but United are unlikely to entertain any mid-season bids for him.

United are reluctant to do business with either club as they are genuine contenders to finish in the top four of the Premier League.

Spurs have recently opened talks with Lingard's agent, but United are willing to take a financial hit rather than boosting their rivals' top-four bid.

Lingard is desperate for regular first-team football. He has yet to make a Premier League start for the Red Devils this campaign.

With the World Cup towards the end of the year, he needs regular first-team football to have any chance of earning an England recall.