Nottingham Forest can help Jesse Lingard achieve key goal as transfer 'close'

Jesse Lingard wants to represent England at the Qatar 2022 World Cup and a transfer to Nottingham Forest could help him achieve that goal.

The former Manchester United man is set to join a new club after departing Old Trafford this summer. And Forest are said to be "close" to reaching an agreement with Lingard that would see the 29-year-old join the Reds on a free transfer.

West Ham United have also made an offer to Lingard, but talkSPORT have reported that the midfielder is "leaning" towards a move to Steve Cooper's side. The Forest boss has already made 10 signings this summer, but Lingard would add a much-needed wealth of Premier League experience.

Lingard wants to return to Gareth Southgate's England squad in time for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which will kick off in November. Speaking to reporters at England’s St. George’s Park training camp last year, Lingard explained that missing out on the Euro 2020 squad "gives you more hunger and motivation to be playing in the biggest of tournaments and games."

He continued, as quoted by the Press Association, to say: "It's always hard. Considering where I was for a period of time, not playing as much and not in the England squad, to get into the 33-man squad [for the Euros] shows what you can do with hard work and belief.

"I was disappointed to miss out [on the final 25-man squad] but I was still there supporting the boys through thick and thin. They had a great chance after getting into the final but we have to move on quickly and prepare for the new season. I've been with England for many years and I've seen camps change over the years, but at the moment I think the camps I've been at now are one of the best.

"The togetherness and the team spirit, Gareth's really got