Jesse Lingard has reportedly rejected a new Manchester United contract, with two European giants interested in landing the playmaker.

Lingard has got his career back on track in the last year, starring on loan for West Ham in the second half of last season.

And he is impressed on his return to United, scoring two Premier League goals in three appearances.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has consistently stated his desire to retain Lingard, but the Daily Mail claims an exit is increasingly likely.

The report states that Lingard ‘wanted to see how much playing time he was given by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following the signings of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho’.

And just 45 minutes of league action this term appears to have swayed the 28-year-old to seek pastures new.

He is said to have rejected a new contract offer last month with his current deal up at the end of the campaign, with both Barcelona and AC Milan circling.

The European duo are attracted by the prospect of securing the England international on a free transfer and will be able to speak to Lingard in January ahead of a potential summer move.

“The World Cup is a long way away but… you need regular football,” he said.

“I was so close to going to the Euros and I think it plays a huge part and it’s a big factor.

“If you’re playing over 20 or 25 games, of course you know you’re knocking on the door so I think it does play a big part in that.

“I’m not doing any harm at the moment – if I keep performing well and doing well you never know what might happen so I keep confident in myself and when I get time on the pitch I’ve got to carry on doing what I’m doing.

“You want to start games. When I’m a sub I’m always ready to play.”

“I’m always ready to be needed when I’m called up.
 

“It’s one of those things I’m going through at the moment but I think with recent performances hopefully we’ll see a change in the next few weeks.”

Source: Football365