Jesse Lingard joins Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest have completed the free transfer signing of 29-year-old former Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard on a one-year deal.

It was reported earlier this week that the newly-promoted side had looked to beat West Ham United to his signature.

His demands of around £180,000-a-week in wages is said to be causing an issue with a return to the Hammers.

However, the Reds finalised an agreement with the England international on Thursday before announcing the deal on their official website.

After coming through the academy at Old Trafford and spending over two decades with the Red Devils, Lingard left United upon the expiry of his contract on June 30.

The forward was used sparingly under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick last season, starting just two Premier League appearances all year after seeing a move away from the club blocked last summer.

Ahead of their eagerly-awaited return to the Premier League, Forest have been busy revamping their squad this summer, with Lingard becoming signing number 11 so far.

Dean Henderson, Neco Williams, Moussa Niakhate, Omar Richards, Lewis O’Brien, Harry Toffolo, Taiwo Awoniyi, Giulian Biancone, Brandon Aguilera and Wayne Hennessey have all joined Lingard in arriving at the City Ground ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

During his 22-year spell with United, Lingard went on to make 230 appearances for the first team at Old Trafford, scoring 35 goals in the process, and would also amas 32 caps for England during his time in Manchester.

The academy product also played his part in helping United to lift the FA Cup and Community Shield in 2016, as well as the EFL Cup and Europa League in 2017.