Romero eyes switch to secure World Cup spot

MANCHESTER United goalkeeper Sergio Romero wants to leave the club in January to cement his place in Argentina’s World Cup line-up.

Currently back-up to the imperious David De Gea, Romero is concerned about losing his spot in Jorge Sampaoli’s first XI for this summer’s tournament.

Sampaoli has told his squad they need to be getting regular football or they cannot be guaranteed a place in his 23 for the World Cup in Russia, and though it is difficult to see Romero miss out on the squad entirely, he is keen to secure at the very least a loan move away from Old Trafford until the summer.

“Sergio has offers from the Premier League, Argentina and Spain,” a source close to the player said.

“He knows he needs to play and the appropriate people in Manchester are aware of this.”

Romero hasn’t played a single minute of Premier League football this season but would likely need United to go out and sign another keeper to allow him to leave.

Meanwhile, Ander Herrera has encouraged United team-mate Jesse Lingard to adopt a shooton-sight policy while his purple patch continues.

England international Lingard reached double figures for the season by scoring his seventh goal in nine games to cap a 2-0 victory over Everton on New Year’s Day.

His unstoppable attempt against the Toffees suggested a man brimming with confidence.

“It’s fantastic — when you are like that he has to keep trying to shoot,” Herrera said.

“I shot three times and I didn’t score but I will keep looking for that moment.

“Jesse has it now. He has to keep trying to shoot but the movements he does for the team are also amazing.

“He’s very quick as well. “No one can catch him. We are happy for him.

“He wants to improve, he wants to be a fantastic player.

“You can see in every training session and he’s showing it in the games,” he added. Back-up: Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero