The transfer of Jesse Lingard to Nottingham Forest has sparked a bizarre war of words between former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor and broadcaster Richard Keys.
The England international joined Steve Cooper's side on Thursday in a one-year deal reportedly worth around £200,000-a-week following his release by Manchester United. Lingard became the Reds' 11th signing of the summer and links up with former Old Trafford teammate Dean Henderson.
Reports had suggested the 29-year-old was in line to re-join West Ham United after enjoying a short loan spell at the London Stadium in 2021. Lingard scored nine goals and registered five assists in 16 games for David Moyes' side, but it is thought his wage demands were too high for the Hammers to accept.
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Following the move to the midlands, figures in the football world have slammed Lingard's decision to choose the Reds over a potential move to West Ham. Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys labelled the attacking midfielder "bang ordinary", while Simon Jordan questioned Forest's choice to sign Lingard.
"If Jesse Lingard wants to leave for money, then good for him," Agbonlahor told talkSPORT listeners.
"Maybe he's gone for the project as well because I feel Forest will be a top team next season. They'll shock a lot of teams. You see Sheffield United and Leeds do it. I think Forest, next season, with the players that they've got, are all going to be hungry to succeed in the Premier League.
"The City Ground could be a fortress as well. They've got a lot of good supporters there. I've got no problem with it at all. A lot of the dinosaurs need to zip it and get on with it. If he [Lingard] wants to do J-Lingz, dance or go on TikTok, good for him. Don't listen to these dinosaurs, the Simon Jordans, the Richard Keys, all of these jokers. Do what you want to do, Jesse.
"Football's a short career. You have to make enough money to life the rest of your life, for your kids. He might want to make enough for his kids' kids. That's his choice."
It prompted a sharp response from, Coventry City fan, Keys. He posted on social media: "I didn’t realise Gabby Agbonlahor was on the radio. His broadcasting career is obviously as insignificant as his playing career. "
That then triggered a somewhat more no-holds-barred tweet from Agbonlahor, who fired back calling the presenter "insignificant", telling Keys to "keep using my name to stay relevant".
He also referenced the career path of Keys and commented on his private life.
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