West Ham United assistant coach Stuart Pearce says they remain hopeful of re-signing Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard.
The England international revived his career with a stunning six-month loan spell at the West Ham last season, where he claimed nine goals and five assists in 16 games to guide the London club to a sixth-place finish.
"We would like him to come and join us. That has been an open secret. He was wonderful last year," Pearce told talkSPORT.
"The ball is in Manchester United's court. He is contracted to them. We would like him with us, there is no doubt about that.
"He's a special lad and was very good around the players, the players really like him. His ability shone out last year and gave us a great option in our squad.
"You never know, but at this moment in time it looks like he is fighting for a place in the United line-up."