Kevin Phillips suspects the permanent signing of Jesse Lingard “might not be possible” for West Ham United, even if they make the top four.
Lingard, 28, has hit the ground running with West Ham, scoring nine goals in 14 appearances since his January move.
He is currently on loan from Manchester United, but reports have suggested the Hammers are looking to make the deal permanent.
Lingard’s form had deteriorated at United, leading him to be cast aside by the manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Under David Moyes, he has found a new lease of life in a West Ham side that still have an outside chance of qualifying for the Champions League.
Phillips, however, is sceptical as to whether West Ham have the financial capabilities to secure his services in the long-term, with other clubs thought to be interested.
He told Football Insider: “Financially, signing Lingard, it might not be possible.
“It might be hard to sign him even if they do make the Champions League, which isn’t great if you’re a supporter.
“It was another blow for them against Brighton which is a shame because what a story it would be if they got Champions League football.
“Either way, West Ham will look at signing him. Financially, if it’s not viable and it will break the bank, they won’t do it.
FEATURE: Chelsea 0-1 Leicester: 16 FA Cup final Conclusions
“Especially in today’s climate. Champions League does help so it will be interesting to see what happens there.”
As Phillips mentioned, Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Brighton just about put paid to West Ham’s hopes of securing Champions League football for next season.
Speaking to West Ham TV after that game, Moyes said: “I thought we played well again.
“It was very similar to the Everton game. I thought we controlled long periods of the game but we gave away a really, really bad goal – quite similar to the one we gave away against Everton – and from that we had to come back.
“It was probably our play in the final third where we didn’t do enough – we didn’t make a good enough final pass or we didn’t make enough contact when we had a chance to score et cetera.
“Some moments weren’t good and we gave up quite a lot of opportunities to make better chances.”
The post Ex-Sunderland striker pours cold water on Lingard rumours appeared first on Football365.