Nottingham Forest have managed to pull off the surprise signing of free agent Jesse Lingard as they gear up for life back in the Premier League.
The 29-year-old was on the lookout for a new club after being released by Manchester United this summer. West Ham United had been considered frontrunners for his signature, following a successful loan spell, but it was the Reds who sealed a shock move.
Head coach Steve Cooper spoke after his team’s 3-1 friendly win over Hertha Berlin about ensuring any new arrivals fit in with his style and ethos; being good characters as well as good players. Lingard could certainly slot into the manager’s system - and will bolster an area of the pitch where Forest are in need of strengthening ahead of their top flight return.
