Jesse Lingard is likely to leave Manchester United on loan this January, with his representatives already holding informal talks with clubs around Europe.

The attacking midfielder has fallen out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer since the arrival of Bruno Fernandes at the club in January and this season has barely featured.

Lingard was linked with a move away in the summer after United completed the signing of Donny Van de Beek from Ajax, further pushing him down the pecking order.

Since the season begun, Lingard has featured twice during the League Cup campaign and nothing more. Not a single minute in the Premier League or Champions League.

Reports have now emerged that Lingard’s representatives have begun exploring a potential move away from the club, with a loan deal most likely.

According to some reports La Liga side Real Sociedad have emerged as a potential suitor for the 28 year old, who has 18 months left on his contract with the club.

Real Sociedad hold talks over January loan move for Manchester United's Jesse Lingard #MUFC https://t.co/sEdadx1lWy

— Football España (@footballespana_) December 7, 2020

His lack of playing time has also reportedly seen him attract interest from Scotland’s two big teams, as Celtic and Rangers look to strengthen their squads during the January window.

Lingard has also seen himself fall away from contention with the England squad, having been a regular starter in the side that finished fourth in the 2018 World Cup. He hasn’t been called up to the squad since October 2019 and doesn’t look like he’ll even be in the conversation for Euro 2020 next summer.

Currently behind all of Juan Mata, Daniel James, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba and Donny Van de Beek a move is likely the best option for Lingard.

A new league is arguably his best bet, with a fresh environment away from the fan’s eyes and without the pressure of representing Manchester United. A move away has done Andreas Pereira the world of good, with the Brazilian putting in some half-decent performances for Lazio since moving on loan to Serie A.

Lingard’s future is clearly away from Old Trafford, which as an academy graduate is definitely sad. But the club has moved on from him and for him to have a decent spell going forward, he should look to move away too.