Nottingham Forest midfielder Jesse Lingard is the subject of "tentative interest" from relegation rivals Leicester City ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports.
The 30-year-old completed a surprise move to the City Ground on a free transfer from Manchester United back in the summer, but has not made the impact it was hoped he would. Lingard’s season has been disrupted by injury, leading to him making just 17 Premier League appearances for the Reds this season.
Both injury and non-selection has seen the former United man start just two league games since the start of domestic football after the World Cup break. After being an unused substitute for the 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa, the player made his comeback to action as a late substitute in Sunday’s 2-0 defeat against his former club, coming on for the final two minutes of the game.
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Having signed a one-year deal with Forest, Lingard is available on a free transfer at the end of the season. According to the Daily Mail, Leicester have shown a "tentative interest" in the player alongside Turkish side Fenerbahce and clubs in the Middle East.
Lingard made five appearances for Leicester during half a season loan spell from Manchester United back in the 2012/2013 season. He later went on to establish himself in the first team at Old Trafford.
Leicester’s interest could depend on their Premier League status next season. Like Forest, the Foxes are in a battle to avoid the drop at the end of the campaign. Leicester sit one place and two points below the Reds in the Premier League table ahead of the final seven league games of the season.
Speaking about Lingard’s struggles this season, Steve Cooper said that he is determined to help the club to avoid relegation.
"Like everybody, he’s giving everything to be in a position where he wants to contribute," Cooper said ahead of the United game. "Jesse is as determined as anybody else in the group.
“He’s had a bit of a tough time and he’s missed some games through injuries that haven’t been long-term injuries but have just not allowed him to be available for games. Against Manchester United, he’d love to be involved and even more than that contribute in a really, really positive way.”
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