Manchester United have decided to trigger their option to extend Jesse Lingard’s contract for a further year, paving the way for the 28-year-old to leave on loan during the January transfer window, according to the Daily Mail.

Rangers and Celtic are among a host of clubs who have been keeping tabs on the England international’s situation and the Red Devils’ decision means a departure next month is highly likely.

Lingard’s current deal expires at the end of the season so he could have signed a pre-contract agreement with another club, which could have scuppered the Light Blues’ hopes of signing him on a temporary basis.

It was reported earlier this month that manager Steven Gerrard was weighing up an approach for the forward, but, in addition to Celtic, the likes of Spurs, Everton, Aston Villa, and West Brom are also thought to be interested in the player.

Lingard has barely featured for United this season, having made just two appearances in the Carabao Cup, with no game time coming in the league.