Wolves rival West Ham for Jesse Lingard’s signature
Jesse Lingard is still without a club since leaving Nottingham Forest at the end of last season, but reports suggest that Wolves and West Ham are both interested in signing the free agent. The 30-year-old England international was the highest-paid player at Forest in his single season with the club, but made just 17 Premier League appearances, 12 of which coming in the starting XI, scoring no goals.
Lingard has been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia and America, but it now looks likely that he will get another chance in the Premier League. He is expected to play in a behind-closed-doors friendly for West Ham this week during the international break. The Hammers are considering offering him a short-term deal while he is available on a free transfer.
However, Sky Sports report that Wolves are also interested in signing the former Manchester United man and could beat West Ham to him with an offer in the coming days. West Ham will feel like they are in a superior position to sign Lingard as he has been training at the club and spent a memorable loan spell there in the second half of the 2020/21 season. Then on loan from Manchester United, Lingard scored nine goals in 16 games for the Hammers, proving a massive hit in east London. European football is also on offer at West Ham, which Wolves cannot boast, but the money and playing time on offer will also play their part.
It remains to be seen which club Lingard will choose, but one thing is for sure – he will be looking to make an impact wherever he ends up. After a disappointing season at Nottingham Forest, Lingard will be hoping to prove himself and show that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
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