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Pundit excited as Everton in pole position to sign Lingard after Lineker issues 'goodness me' claim
Kevin Phillips has heaped praise on Jesse Lingard as Everton move into pole position to sign the Manchester United attacker.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the 2000 European Golden Shoe winner said “it’s a no-brainer” signing for Rafael Benitez’s side given the 28-year-old’s talent and locality.
Lingard chose to remain at Old Trafford beyond the summer window in a bid to regain his place in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
However, the England international is yet to to start a Premier League or Champions League fixture this season.
Therefore, a number of Premier League clubs including Everton, Newcastle and West Ham hope to lure Lingard away from the Red Devils in January.
A recruitment source told Football Insider (October 23rd) that the Blues currently lead the race for his signature.
Phillips believes Lingard would “fit in well” at Goodison Park.
“It’s almost a no-brainer in my opinion,” he told Football Insider.
“What he did at West Ham was phenomenal. Whichever club signs him, if he does leave United, is getting a top-quality player.
“He’s so effective in the final third. He can finish. I think he’d be a big asset to any football club.
“A lot of Premier League teams will be looking at him but he would fit in well at Everton. Geographically, it would make a lot of sense as well.”
Lingard enjoyed a hugely successful loan spell at West Ham in the second half of last season.
His form earned the praise of Gary Lineker in April, he wrote on Twitter: “Goodness me. Jesse Lingard is on fire.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has claimed Moshiri is in an Everton boardroom ‘battle’ after an official announcement.