Explained: What Jesse Lingard transfer means for Wolves and Morgan Gibbs-White

Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of England international Jesse Lingard as an alternative to Morgan Gibbs-White.

Lingard has signed a one-year contract at the City Ground, reportedly worth £180,000 per week, after rejecting interest from West Ham and Saudi Arabia following the expiry of his contract at Manchester United. The move is also music to the ears of Wolves, given Forest’s interest in Gibbs-White.

While Gibbs-White remains a target for Forest boss Steve Cooper, the Reds’ need for a new attacking midfielder has decreased significantly as a result of Lingard’s arrival. Whereas Wolves’ need to keep Gibbs-White is increasing by the day.

The 22-year-old has been a stand-out player for Wolves in pre-season so far and is one of two players to start both friendlies out in Benidorm this week. Gibbs-White starred in the 4-0 win over Alaves on Wednesday before captaining Wolves in the fiery clash with Levante on Thursday morning.

It was a youthful team Bruno Lage played against Levante, but Gibbs-White was still selected as captain over experienced Belgium international Leander Dendoncker. Lage is giving Gibbs-White a prominent role in his plans as contract negotiations between the player and the club continue.

Gibbs-White has two years remaining on his deal, so Wolves aren’t panicking, but technical director Scott Sellars is keen to tie him down to a new contract. Gibbs-White hasn’t reached an agreement yet, but Wolves are hopeful that will change.

Although Forest retain a long-term interest in Gibbs-White, they have signed Lingard to fill his place in their short-term plans. Forest aren’t the only team interested in Gibbs-White, with ex-Wolves sporting director Kevin Thelwell keen to take him to