JUST-IN: Nottingham Forest sign Linguard on one-year deal

Nottingham Forest have signed free agent Jesse Lingard on a one-year deal.

The former Manchester United forward has rejected West Ham to join the newly-promoted Premier League side after they made a substantial offer to sign him, although the one-year contract does not include an option for a further year.

He’s back. And so are we.#JLingz x #NFFC pic.twitter.com/RgMgaGuuwz

— Nottingham Forest FC (@NFFC) July 21, 2022

The 29-year-old’s representatives had been in talks with at least four different clubs in recent days after Lingard left Old Trafford last month following the expiration of his United contract.

Ready for my new chapter ✨🤲🏾 let’s gooo babyyyyyy @NFFC 🔴🌳 #nottinghamforest pic.twitter.com/O4Q4mkThpN

— Jesse Lingard (@JesseLingard) July 21, 2022

West Ham wanted to sign Lingard, who scored nine goals and registered five assists for the Hammers during a successful loan spell in 2021.

#WelcomeJLingz 🤩

🌳🔴 #NFFC pic.twitter.com/aP0PIWm8fT

— Nottingham Forest FC (@NFFC) July 21, 2022

But Lingard has rejected the chance to re-join the Irons despite what West Ham felt was a fair and competitive offer to the Englishman.

David Moyes’ side were not interested in getting involved in a bidding war with other clubs and are now focusing on other targets.

📸 @JesseLingard is a Red ❤️

🌳🔴 #NFFC | #PL pic.twitter.com/5p7X4YW3AV

— Nottingham Forest FC (@NFFC) July 21, 2022

Read Also: EPL: Nottingham Forest set to snatch Jesse Lingard from West Ham

Meanwhile, Lingard becomes Forest’s 11th signing as they prepare for their first season in the top flight in 23 years.

Lingard, who had a loan spell at Forest’s fierce rivals Derby County in 2015, will wear the number 10 shirt for Steve Cooper’s side.

Lingard’s first home game for Forest will be against West Ham at the City Ground on August 14.