Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes English midfielder Jesse Lingard, can extend his stay at Old Trafford amid Barcelona and AC Milan transfer window rumors.

Reports have said over the past few days that Lingard has emerged as an interesting transfer target for Barcelona and Milan, among various clubs around Europe. Despite only partaking in a total of 45 minutes this season, the English midfielder has made every bit of it count to start the season.

Lingard has already made massive contributions off the bench for Manchester United. As seen with a crucial 89th-minute goal against West Ham United, and contributing an assist to Cristiano Ronaldo's late winner in the Champions League group stage against Villareal CF.

Via Rob Dawson of ESPN:

“He's come on and scored a few goals for us that's been very important for us. We want to prolong his contract, we see him as an important player for us.

Amid the rumors that Jesse Lingard may opt to dismiss an extension at Manchester United, Solskjaer expresses that he would want Lingard to remain within the grounds of Old Trafford for a little while longer.

“It's up to him and maybe up to me to give him more playing time because he deserves to. Hopefully, we can get a deal sorted for Jesse because we really rate him.”

Lingard will be hopeful that these words from Solskjaer could be backed up with action through more playing time for the Red Devils. Fans of the Red Devils will have to wait and see as United face off against Leicester on Saturday as players around the world return from the international break.