Transfer Talk: Forest to nail Lingard deal ahead of Hammers

Nottingham Forest are reportedly willing to offer Jesse Lingard a whopping £200,000-per-week contract in the hope of beating West Ham to his signature.

The 29-year-old free agent is being chased by both Premier League clubs but is yet to decide on his future.

David Moyes' Hammers were thought to be the prime destination for the England midfielder after a successful loan spell there during the second half of the 2020-21 campaign.

But the former Manchester United man is said to be holding out for £180,000 per week, which the Irons are reluctant to offer.

And the Daily Mail say newly-promoted Forest will look to lure Lingard to the City Ground by making him their highest paid player by some distance.

The East Midlands outfit believe the capture of the 32-cap international would be a statement of intent on their part as they prepare for their first top-flight campaign since 1998-99.

Steve Cooper's Reds have already spent a reported £70million on 10 new signings this summer but sealing Lingard on a free would represent their marquee recruit.

Their activity may not be done after that with a move for Watford’s Emmanuel Dennis also being explored, according to the same publication.

The Nigerian, 24, scored 10 league goals last season and the Hornets are looking for around £25m for the forward.

In other news

Jules Kounde is set to have his medical at Chelsea in the next 48 hours after the Blues agreed a £55m deal with Sevilla for the French defender, say the Sun.

The Telegraph claim Leicester must sell players before they can bring in new faces, meaning they will listen to offers for James Maddison, Youri Tielemans and Timothy Castagne.

West Ham and Crystal Palace have approached Burnley about signing winger Dwight McNeil this summer, according to Sky Sports.