Nottingham Forest land Lingard ahead of West Ham

Free agent Jesse Lingard has chosen to join Nottingham Forest, signing a one-year deal with the newly-promoted club.

Lingard, 29, left Manchester United this summer upon the expiry of his contract, electing not to extend his stay due to a lack of playing time with the Red Devils.

The attacking midfielder came through the youth system at United and made 232 appearances in all competitions, scoring 35 times.

In his final season at Old Trafford, Lingard made just 16 Premier League appearances totalling 367 minutes of football.

He had previously struck nine times during a successful 16-game loan spell with West Ham in 2020-21.

The Hammers were keen on a reunion with Lingard while Newcastle and Everton were among the clubs reported to be interested.

However, Forest have beaten out their rivals by offering the 32-cap England midfielder a substantial wage packet, with some reports claiming a £200,000-a-week salary.

Lingard is the 11th arrival in what has been a busy transfer window for last season's Championship play-off winners.

One of those signings is former Manchester United team-mate Dean Henderson. The goalkeeper will spend 2022-23 on loan at the City Ground.