West Ham make ‘final attempt’ to sign £180k-a-week star at London Stadium

West Ham United are making a ‘final attempt’ to lure Jesse Lingard to the London Stadium as the Hammers ‘will be reeling’ if they miss out to Nottingham Forest, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Lingard spent the second half of the 2020/21 season on loan with the east Londoners and made a huge impact, but there are doubts over whether he will be heading back to familiar surroundings.

What’s the latest news involving Lingard?

Lingard has been a free agent since his contract with boyhood club Manchester United expired at the end of last month.

Although West Ham submitted an offer to the creative midfielder’s representatives a number of weeks ago, Nottingham Forest are looking to win the race for his signature.

According to The Guardian, the newly-promoted Premier League side are in advanced talks with Lingard and have made a lucrative proposal.

The report suggests the 32-cap England international has been holding out for a contract worth £180,000-per-week after also gaining interest from Everton, Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Major League Soccer franchises and an unnamed Saudi Arabia outfit.

Although Nottingham Forest now appear to be in the driving seat, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed West Ham are still in the hunt to complete a deal for Lingard.

What has Dean Jones said about Lingard?

Jones believes West Ham will be immensely frustrated if Lingard ends up opting to join Nottingham Forest rather than sealing his return to the London Stadium.

However, the transfer insider understands Hammers boss David Moyes is preparing to make a last-ditch effort to win the race for the former Manchester United man’s services.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “West Ham will be reeling if they lose Lingard to Forest as he was such a key target but, ultimately, he is a free agent and a very, very good player.

“So if you want to sign him, you have to accept his wage expectation is going to be at a certain level.

“They are making one last pitch to him. I don’t know exactly what that is but it’s a final attempt to persuade him.”

Did West Ham United sign Michail Antonio on transfer deadline day?

Yes


No

Would missing out on Lingard come as a blow for West Ham?

Lingard found the back of the net nine times and recorded a further five assists in 16 appearances while on loan at West Ham, with his efforts spearheading the Hammers’ push for a club-record Premier League points tally.

The attacking midfielder has registered 91 goal contributions during his senior club career, so it is clear he would add another attacking dimension to Moyes’ side.

However, with the likes of Said Benrahma, Pablo Fornals and Manuel Lanzini already offering creativity, the Hammers have exciting options in the attacking third.

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