Revealed: How Sheffield United hope to lure Manchester United's Jesse Lingard to Bramall Lane

A dossier, describing the role he has been earmarked for both on and off the pitch, was compiled soon after Chris Wilder resolved to try and sign the Manchester United midfielder during this month’s transfer window; delivering a series of “recommendations” to his board of directors before Christmas.

Although Wilder acknowledged that United’s position at the bottom of the table meant they would not immediately appear the most attractive of options for a player also being courted by West Ham and Nice, the presentation he prepared focused on encouraging Lingard to consider the benefits of becoming the highest profile member of his squad ahead of a summer move away from Old Trafford.

According to one source, the 28-year-old and his advisors were told that “being the biggest fish in the pond” would raise his profile after making only three appearannces for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side this term and potentially increase his bargaining power when any temporary agreement with United ends.

With Wilder stating that any new arrivals must be capable of making a “real difference” to their results following a miserable start to the campaign, Lingard was also reminded that a move to South Yorkshire would effectively guarantee him first team football as United look to claw back the 11 point gap between themselves and safety.

Although Wilder insisted he is “only concentrating” on footballing matters after watching his team slip to its 16th defeat in 19 outings following last weekend’s 3-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, the United manager is believed to have asked several respected figures with links to Lingard’s employers to help press his club’s case.

United, who meet Plymouth Argyle in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday, also hope to recruit a new left-sided centre-half before the transfer window closes next month. Despite remaining coy on the progress of those talks, one agent who approached negotiators acting on Wilder’s behalf was recently told a replacement for the injured Jack O’Connell has already been identified; suggesting they have now reached an advanced stage.

Wilder has previously indicated that United’s search for defensive reinforcements was being focused overseas. However, he recently admitted that foreign targets are unlikely to be enthused by the prospect of joining a battle against relegation. Omar Colley, of Sampdoria and Gambia, is known to have attracted admiring glances from United in the past.

Despite only using Lingard in knockout competition of late, Solskjaer is reportedly reluctant to sanction his departure for fear of damaging Manchester United’s title credentials. They finished the latest round of fixtures two points clear of second place and are scheduled to visit United on January 27th; 72 hours after facing reigning champions Liverpool in the FA Cup.

However, after being omitted from Solskjaer’s plans for last weekend’s goalless draw at Anfield, Lingard is unlikely to welcome the prospect of spending even more time in the stands as he hopes to earn a place in England’s European Championship squad.

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