Transfer Talk: Gerrard offers Lingard lifeline at Al-Ettifaq

Ex-Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard is training with Saudi side Al-Ettifaq.

Free agent Lingard, 30, has been without a club since his contract at Nottingham Forest expired at the end of last season.

Lingard was offered a chance to work on his fitness at former employers West Ham in recent weeks and has now been handed another opportunity by Al-Ettifaq boss Steven Gerrard.

Liverpool legend Gerrard has already recruited Jordan Henderson and Demarai Gray from the Premier League since his appointment in July.

And the Saudi Pro League club confirmed on Friday evening that Lingard would be offered a one-month trial.

In June, the 32-cap England international told Sky Sports: "Saudi Arabia are doing big things and in the next couple of years or so, it will be one of the hotspots to go to.

"I'm not really surprised that the big names are moving out there.

"They're doing big things and it's something I would consider — I've not ruled that out."

In other news

Free agent David de Gea is considering retirement, say The Guardian, with the Spanish goalkeeper yet to find a new club since leaving Manchester United.

Newcastle will revisit their interest in Southampton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz in January, according to talkSPORT.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims the Magpies are close to agreeing a new contract for Brazilian maestro Bruno Guimaraes, which will include a £100million release clause.