Tottenham slammed for failing to sign "desperately needed" Mourinho target

Garth Crooks has slammed Tottenham Hotspur for failing to sign Jesse Lingard in January, claiming his former side "desperately needed" the midfielder.

The 28-year-old was linked with a switch to Spurs, having played under Jose Mourinho for two-and-a-half seasons at Old Trafford, but he ended up joining West Ham on loan to play under another former Red Devils boss in David Moyes.

On Sunday, the Hammers hosted Tottenham at the London Stadium and Lingard scored as his side won 2-1 to move into the top four.

Spurs, meanwhile, currently sit ninth and Crooks believes they should have tried to sign Lingard.

In his BBC Sport team of the week column, Crooks said: "The Manchester United loanee is having a ball in east London. David Moyes and Jose Mourinho are former managers of Manchester United and both know exactly what Lingard can do.

"I find it particularly interesting that it is Moyes who has given Lingard a chance to rejuvenate his career, when it was Spurs who desperately needed him. Lingard is playing out of his skin."

Speaking to Sky Sports after the win over Tottenham, Lingard said: "A brilliant win. The lads are buzzing. We grafted. Luck was on our side today.

"It was just about maintaining the same intensity in the second half. We knew it would be a graft, that is what as a team we are about, working hard for the three points.

"It is brilliant, the lads have taken to me. I have settled in really quickly. I am playing each game with a smile and enjoying my football and that is the most important thing.

"Everyone has the same mindset and goal for the end of the season and the same targets. We don’t look at the table too much and will take it game by game but this is an enjoyable position to be in."

Source: Read Full Article