Former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard could be handed Premier League lifeline

Former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard is training with West Ham United as he searches for his next club.

The 30-year-old was released by Nottingham Forest in June after reaching the end of his one-year deal with Steve Cooper’s side. He made 20 appearances overall last term but was largely unused in the latter half of the campaign as the club achieved Premier League survival.

Lingard is now looking for his second home in as many years after his long spell at United came to an end in 2022. The England international made a total of 232 appearances for his boyhood club, scoring the winning goal in an FA Cup final, as well as picking up League Cup and Europa League winner’s medals.

The 30-year-old had been linked with a move to the MLS and, as his search continues, he has turned to familiar surroundings as he maintains his fitness for the new season.

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Reports state Lingard is training with West Ham under former manager David Moyes for fitness purposes and that a short team deal in the capital is not out of the question. Lingard starred during a loan spell with the Hammers in 2021 which saw him recalled into the England squad and narrowly miss out on a place in the European Championships after registering 14 goal involvements in 16 games.

Lingard, who was also linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, was previously filmed training alongside former teammate Ravel Morrison and ex-United academy graduate Roshaun Williams this summer.