Lingard axed as Forest chop the deadwood

Jesse Lingard leads a list of six senior stars who will not have their contracts renewed by Nottingham Forest.

The former Manchester United midfielder, 30, arrived at the City Ground last summer and was made the club's top earner but has struggled to hold down a spot in Steve Cooper's side.

Restricted to only 12 starts and five substitute appearances in the Premier League last term, Lingard will become a free agent upon the expiry of his current deal later this month.

There is sure to be interest in the Warrington-born creator, who made 232 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils and starred on loan at West Ham in the second half of the 2020-21 campaign.

Lyle Taylor, Jack Colback, Andre Ayew, Jordan Smith and Cafu are all heading for the exit door alongside the 32-cap England international.

One man who is sticking around is Serge Aurier, with the former Tottenham full-back having triggered a one-year extension to his deal in the East Midlands.

Towering striker Chris Wood will also see his January loan move from Newcastle made permanent.

Forest were widely criticised for a scattergun transfer policy that saw 22 new faces arrive last summer but ultimately maintained their Premier League status by four points.