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Leicester City have emerged as clear favourites to sign Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Lingard could be offered to the Foxes by United as part of a player-plus-cash deal in their bid to land James Maddison.

Now several bookmakers have slashed odds on Leicester being Lingard's next club to as short as 2/1 in some cases, at the time of writing.

Oddschecker say 39% of all bets in the market are backing the England international to make a move to the King Power Stadium.

There is a big gap to second favourites with the bookies - Italian giants AC Milan at 16/1.

They are followed by Inter Milan, Southampton and Everton - all at 33/1.

Lingard has endured a frustrating time of it recently - but scored in United's 6-0 drubbing of Tranmere Rovers in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday.

It was his first goal against an English side in just over a year (366 days).

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His two most recent domestic goals have both come in the cup, leaving him without a Premier League goal in 402 days.

“With the talent permeating this current Leicester team, it does seem strange that Brendan Rodger’s side are favourite to sign an underperforming player," said Oddschecker spokesperson Callum Wilson.

“Jesse Lingard’s tepid performances for United this season have seen him return just two goals in 30 appearances – not exactly the kind of form that would knock James Maddison out of the side."

Lingard had a brief loan spell with Leicester during the 2012-13 season, making five substitute appearances for the Foxes in the Championship, including his senior debut.

He went on to have stints at Birmingham City, Brighton and Derby County before breaking into the first team at United.

He has gone on to make 197 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions, scoring 31 goals.

United have been repeatedly linked with a move for Maddison, though City boss Brendan Rodgers has stated categorically that none of his key players will be leaving the club during the January transfer window.