Manchester United 'to trigger Jesse Lingard extension'

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to extend the contract of midfielder Jesse Lingard.

With less than a year remaining on his existing deal, United are said to be open to offers for the England international.

Tottenham Hotspur, managed by former United boss Jose Mourinho, are allegedly interested in securing a deal for the 27-year-old.

However, The Sun says that club officials are now willing to trigger an option in Lingard's contract which would see him tied to Old Trafford until 2022.

That would allow United to avoid cashing in on the academy graduate for a cut-price fee, effectively forcing Spurs to pay more money if they wish to sign the playmaker.

Lingard was absent from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's 18-man squad as United lost out to Crystal Palace at the weekend.