Stuart Pearce reveals West Ham still fighting for Jesse Lingard loan deal amid Newcastle interest - but Hammers assistant just wants Manchester United outcast to play

The Manchester United forward, 29, starred on loan at the London Stadium during the second-half of last season and West Ham are keen to land a similar deal this term.

Lingard has six months remaining on his contract at Old Trafford and looks set to leave on a free transfer this summer, having failed to regain his place in United's starting XI.

However, talkSPORT understands the Red Devils are reluctant to do business with a top-four rival, with relegation-battlers Newcastle the front-runners to sign Lingard.

Nevertheless, while Pearce remains hopeful of landing the England international this winter, the Hammers coach insists he just wants to see Lingard playing football.

He told talkSPORT: "There is no doubt that Jesse is a commodity, who isn't playing for his football club, that could be a huge benefit to a lot of clubs in the Premier League.

"Ours is certainly one of them, there is no doubt. Everyone is aware that we tried to get Jesse back again last summer.

"That will continue, probably, in this window as well. But it's down to Jesse. He's got six months left on his contract. He'll decide and Manchester United, more importantly, will decide what his future is for the next six months.

"I always feel as though it's a real shame when a player of that talent is not playing regularly.

"Especially after his contribution when he joined us for six months and got himself back in the England fold. It's helped Gareth [Southgate] as well.

"I'll be delighted if he goes and plays, wherever he goes and plays. If he turns up at West Ham over the next three of four days, it'll be utopia.

"If he goes and plays anywhere else in the Premier League, I'll still be pleased to see him playing."

Pearce accepts West Ham's position in the table might hinder any deal with United, but the Hammers assistant suggests they will be powerless to stop Lingard join them in the summer.

When asked whether United will keep Lingard from West Ham due to the top-four race, Pearce said: "There is that potential. Hopefully they see us as one of their competitors, potentially.

"Next summer, he's a free agent and he can go wherever he wants. It looks as though, from the outside, that's what he's angling at doing: running his contract down and leaving on a Bosman next summer to whatever destination he wants.

"I'm sure there will be a lot of suitors."