Nottingham Forest have hijacked West Ham’s move for Jesse Lingard after offering the former Toon target a staggering £200,000-per-week, according to The Times.
The 29-year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Hammers in the 2020/21 campaign, and finds himself as a free agent after leaving Manchester United last month having started only two league matches last season.
Lingard would’ve arrived on Tyneside in January if it wasn’t for the astronomical loan fee demanded by the Red Devils. It’s believed we explored the possibility of signing him this summer, yet it seems we stepped away after hearing of his wade demands.
Forest are looking to add a marquee name to the eight signings they have already completed this window, including Lingard’s former Manchester United teammate Dean Henderson.
The Times report that they’ve offered to pay him ‘around £50,000 more’ than West Ham and are now ‘on the verge’ of wrapping up a deal.
Should he sign at the City Ground, we could see ‘JLingz’ in action at St. James’ Park on the opening day of the season, with Forest travelling to St James’ Park two weeks on Saturday.
Delighted that we didn’t go for him. He’s clearly only in it for the money, has a bad attitude, and would have upset the harmony of the squad with his big time Charlie attitude.
Kevin Mclaughlin(Quote)