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'Jesse is still an important part of this squad': Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals he has not been 'very closely' involved in Lingard's contract talks - and Man United boss says wantaway star is 'disappointed he's not played more’

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists Jesse Lingard is still an important part of his squad despite the wantaway star stalling on signing a new contract.

The Manchester United playmaker's contract expires at the end of the season and Sportsmail reported on Thursday that the 28-year-old wants to leave the club on loan in January before departing on a free transfer next summer.

Yet Solskjaer - who is under pressure after a poor run of results - spoke ahead of United's clash at Watford on Saturday that Lingard was still valued at Old Trafford though revealed he has not been 'very closely' involved in contract negotiations.