Jesse Lingard is reportedly close to signing for Nottingham Forest this summer and the former Manchester United man could be given a new lease of life at the City Ground.
The 29-year-old started just two Premier League games at United last season and made 16 appearances in total - now he is set to begin a new chapter in his career. After he failed to make a single appearance under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the first half of the 2020/21 campaign, Lingard left on loan to West Ham United and made an instant impact at the London Stadium.
Lingard made 14 goal contributions in just 16 games under David Moyes, including nine goals and five assists. Upon his return to Old Trafford the following season, the England international had hoped that his impressive loan spell in East London would fire him up the midfield pecking order at Old Trafford, but that wasn't the case.
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest 'exploring a deal' to sign £25m-rated striker
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest set for key decision on City Ground redevelopment project
Neither Solskjaer or Ralf Rangnick provided the attacking midfielder with the opportunity to kick-start his season. Instead, Lingard lost his place in the England team and his form after some sensational months with West Ham. When the January transfer window opened, a move to Newcastle United broke down and Lingard had reportedly grown increasingly frustrated by the club's refusal to sanction a move away.
The Daily Mail later claimed that Lingard felt "disrespected" and let down that he had made just two starts last season after being promised more opportunities by Solskjaer. The report added that he was surprised to receive a call from one United executive asking him where his "head was at" despite the club knowing that all he wanted to do was make a fresh start elsewhere.
After leaving United following the expiration of his contract, Lingard could now have the opportunity to play week in, week out - that's exactly what he wants to do with his new club. In a wide-ranging piece for The Players' Tribune, Lingard wrote about how he is desperate to deliver on a weekly basis.
"I don’t want to be the player who does well for just a few weeks or months. I want to show how many goals and assists I can get over 30-plus games. Same goes for England. I’m so honoured to be back in the squad again after the journey I’ve been on. To bag those two goals against Andorra during the last break ... honestly, I was just buzzing!
"But I want more. No more quarantine. No more injuries or interruptions. Let’s see what Jesse 2.0 has got in his locker."
What do you make of the Lingard links? Tell us in the comments section...
READ NEXT:
James Garner makes feelings clear on Nottingham Forest transfer with Man Utd admission
Nottingham Forest confirm ninth summer transfer
Jesse Lingard to Nottingham Forest transfer: Reds make huge move, Man Utd view & more
Nottingham Forest sent 'amazing' message after another transfer confirmed
Huddersfield fans 'hurt' after Nottingham Forest complete double swoop
