Nottingham Forest stun West Ham to lead race for Lingard signature

Nottingham Forest are set to shock West Ham as the City Ground side are set to seal a move for Jesse Lingard on a free transfer. Lingard, who was released by Man Utd after his contract expired in July, had been expected to return to the London Stadium once more, after an impressive loan spell at the club two season ago.

Lingard has had no shortage of options since his departure from Old Trafford, but Nottingham Forest have stolen a march on their rivals to seemingly seal a deal for the attacking midfielder from right under the noses of West Ham United.

The 29-year-old has been given a bumper salary package by Forest's chairman Evangelos Marinakis, who made a last minute bid to snap up the player. With Lewis Grabban departing the club, Forest have moved swiftly to replace the attacker. 

During his loan spell at West Ham, Lingard played 16 times, scoring an impressive 9 goals. However, his return to United was largely unsuccessful, with former manager Ralf Rangnick relegating Lingard to the substitutes bench.