Nottingham Forest emerge as favourites for ex-Manchester United forward

Recently promoted Nottingham Forest are gearing themselves up for a return to the top flight and have been linked with several players.

They have already signed Taiwo Awoniyi from Union Berlin, Neco Williams from Liverpool, Moussa Niakhaté from FSV Mainz 05, Giulian Biancone from Troyes, Omar Richards from Bayern Munich, Brandon Aguilera from LD Alajuelense and loaned in Dean Henderson of Manchester United.

And now Nottingham Forest are linked with another Manchester United player in Jesse Lingard.

The 29-year-old has been a free agent ever since his contract expired with the Red Devils on the 30th of June.

Though he has been heavily linked with West Ham after his successful loan 2020/21 season, it does not look likely that he will not be going to the Hammers.

Nottingham Forest favourites to sign Jesse Lingard

Reports from The Daily Mail suggest that Nottingham Forest are very close to getting a deal done for the ex-England international.

"Nottingham Forest are reportedly set to snatch Jesse Lingard from under West Ham’s nose amid speculation the former Manchester United star flew to London for talks with Evangelos Marinakis on Tuesday nightvia dailymail.co.uk"

Lingard reportedly wants a salary of around £180,000 per-week, a deal which might be a little much for Nottingham Forest, who have spent upwards of 60 million pounds in the transfer market already.

However, there is a difference of opinion between the two clubs regarding Lingard’s potential destination this summer.

"There appears to be some confusion over the state of both clubs’ moves for Lingard, however, with Forest expecting him to still join West Ham while the Hammers believe he will go elsewhere.via dailymail.co.uk"

David Moyes doesn’t want to miss out on Lingard reunion

David Moyes is desperate to land Lingard and has been pushing to get this deal over the line. In the sixteen games that Lingard played for West Ham in 2020/21, he contributed with nine goals and five assists.

However, whoever does end up signing the 29-year-old will have to work hard to get him into shape. Lingard has not been involved in any pre-season training, and with only three weeks left before the Premier League season starts, this will be the prime concern for the club with who he signs.

While West Ham and Nottingham Forest might be in the lead for Lingard, other clubs are still interested in him. The list includes Everton, Leicester, Newcastle and Tottenham and some interest from Saudi Arabia too.

Who do you think Lingard should sign for? Would he thrive in more familiar surroundings in West Ham, or should he sign for their London rivals in Nottingham Forest?