Manchester United are reportedly reluctant to let Jesse Lingard complete a permanent move away from the club in January.
The 29-year-old continues to struggle for minutes in the Red Devils team, in spite of his stellar loan spell at West Ham United in the 2020-21 season.
With Lingard's deal due to expire in six months' time, Man United can either look to sell him for a cut-price fee this month before he leaves on a free transfer.
A return to West Ham on a permanent basis has been mooted, but The Mirror claims that Man United are not prepared to sanction such a move.
The report adds that the Red Devils do not want to let Lingard join a direct rival for a Champions League spot, but the England international is still showing no signs of wanting to extend his deal.
Lingard boasts two goals and one assist from 12 appearances in all competitions this term but is yet to start a Premier League game in the 2021-22 campaign.
Ben Knapton
