DC United boss Wayne Rooney has shut down rumours over the prospect of signing former Newcastle United transfer target Jesse Lingard. The duo played together at Manchester United, but the England legend insists the MLS side have 'no interest' in making a move for the attacking midfielder.
Lingard is now a free agent following a dismal season at Nottingham Forest, registering just two goals and two assists with the newly-promoted Premier League side. The 30-year-old only made a solitary substitute appearance in the final 12 games of the season, as Steve Cooper's side secured survival with a game to spare.
Lingard was one of six first-team stars to leave the City Ground this summer at the end of their contracts, alongside former Newcastle midfielder Jack Colback. Eddie Howe twice tried to bring Lingard to St James' Park, with an initial loan move in January 2022 blocked on deadline day by Manchester United.
Newcastle retained an interest in the attacking midfielder following his exit from Old Trafford last summer, along with West Ham. However, Lingard opted for a lucrative one-year deal at Forest and is now looking to rebuld his career.
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DC United and a reunion with Rooney had been touted, with the prospect of another Premier League club gambling on the England international now unlikely. But when asked about the prospect of signing the free agent, Rooney pulled no punches in his assessment of the rumour.
He told reporters: "The Jesse Lingard [rumour]? I don't know where that has come from. From my point of view we have no interest in signing him."
