The summer transfer window is showing no signs of slowing down for Nottingham Forest - and the most recent transfer link is perhaps the most surprising of all.
It emerged on Tuesday that Forest are interested in signing former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard, with NottinghamshireLive also understanding that to be the case.
There has been plenty of reaction to the news from both Forest and Man United fans, while Forest legend and former West Ham assistant Stuart Pearce - who worked with Jesse Lingard at the Hammers - has spoken about what he would bring to the Forest dressing room.
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Jesse Lingard is reportedly close to signing for Nottingham Forest this summer and the former Manchester United man could be given a new lease of life at the City Ground.
The 29-year-old started just two Premier League games at United last season and made 16 appearances in total - now he is set to begin a new chapter in his career. After he failed to make a single appearance under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the first half of the 2020/21 campaign, Lingard left on loan to West Ham United and made an instant impact at the London Stadium.
Lingard made 14 goal contributions in just 16 games under David Moyes, including nine goals and five assists. Upon his return to Old Trafford the following season, the England international had hoped that his impressive loan spell in East London would fire him up the midfield pecking order at Old Trafford, but that wasn't the case.
Stuart Pearce verdict
Nottingham Forest legend Stuart Pearce says Jesse Lingard is "fantastic" to work with.
Former Manchester United star Lingard is reportedly "close" to to reaching an agreement over a move to the City Ground on a free transfer. The England international ended his 11-year connection with the Red Devils this summer following the expiration of his contract.
Having previously been on loan at West Ham, the London-based side are also monitoring his situation. Pearce, who coached him at the London Stadium, spoke highly of the 29-year-old on talkSPORT.
World Cup aim
Jesse Lingard wants to represent England at the Qatar 2022 World Cup and a transfer to Nottingham Forest could help him achieve that goal.
The former Manchester United man is set to join a new club after departing Old Trafford this summer. And Forest are said to be "close" to reaching an agreement with Lingard that would see the 29-year-old join the Reds on a free transfer.
West Ham United have also made an offer to Lingard, but talkSPORT have reported that the midfielder is "leaning" towards a move to Steve Cooper's side. The Forest boss has already made 10 signings this summer, but Lingard would add a much-needed wealth of Premier League experience.
What Man United fans are saying
@mark_v1 began by saying: "Fair play to Forest if they pull that off."
@TomWrigh00516199 added: "You can have him we don’t want him he’s a TikTok footballer."
@adamokeefeAMP said: "Didn’t see this one coming. Been some really smart business to date.
@yxsinyoh tweeted: "He’s a lot better than that."
@ahnnysjoestar wrote: "This is the ending his career deserves I've never hated an ex united player this much (except Ronaldo obviously)."
@LouisZagni said: "This would be a coup by forest if it happened."
What Forest fans are saying
Mark Owen: "No way. He'll disrupt the team spirit."
Mattadv: "Whilst I can't see this happening, he could be a great alternative to MGW, wages permitting. Proven international and PL player, but surely too much for us at this stage?!"
ENG2Stars1Day: "Now that would be a signing to get excited about!"
NFFC_02: "Not happening."
JesusC: "Would break the bank and think he's God. We don't do egos anymore."
Dave: "No, thank you."
Ste: "Will think he's bigger than the club. Not the personality Cooper or fans want. Quality player but move on."
SagaciousFellow: "Obvs a great player and would be great for us, but for the wages and longevity it seems like a lazy business."
Ian Scott: "Southgate always got a good performance out of him so I imagine Cooper would. Think his wages would prevent any interest though."
Nffcexpats: "Absolutely would love him."
NIKOLIIII: "Marinakis ain't paying this guy 180k a week."
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