Jesse Lingard has seemingly confirmed that he will not sign for West Ham United on a permanent basis this summer.
The England international played a starring role in the Hammers' successful push for European football during the second half of the season, scoring nine goals and assisting five more in 16 Premier League appearances.
West Ham are understandably keen to keep Lingard on the books beyond the summer, but the Manchester United man has now spoken of how he will cherish the "memories" of his time in the capital, fuelling speculation that he will not make his move permanent.
Speaking to the official West Ham website, the attacker said: It's been great, I've made a lot of new people and made a countless number of friends, so to take on this challenge has been amazing and to take away the memories will be special.
"I think just obviously playing week-in week-out, the lads have been brilliant, the staff have been brilliant and they've put confidence in me to play and do well.
"I was already ready to play from many months ago so to play the first game at Villa seems a lifetime ago now that we're near the end of the season, but it's been a brilliant experience and I'll take away so many memories."
Lingard played the full 90 minutes during West Ham's 3-0 win over Southampton on the final day of the season - a result which guaranteed sixth place and a spot in next season's Europa League.
Ben Knapton
