Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has insisted that Jesse Lingard "is still a big part" of the squad at Old Trafford despite his struggles for regular action this term.
Lingard has featured on eight occasions for the Red Devils this season but has played just 63 minutes of Premier League football, with the attacker down the pecking order at the club.
A recent report claimed that contract talks between the two parties had broken down, and the playmaker was now preparing to join West Ham United in a January deal.
Solskjaer has claimed that he is not 'closely involved' with the discussions over a potential new deal, but the Norwegian has again spoken of the importance of the 28-year-old.
"Jesse is training really hard. He's ready for me. Disappointed he's not playing more. Regarding contract talks, I've not been in them very closely. Jesse is still a big part of this squad, important. He gives quality and energy to the group every day," Solskjaer told reporters.
Man United will be looking to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they make the trip to Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon to face Watford.
Matt Law
