Nottingham Forest 'close' to Jesse Lingard transfer as Man Utd prediction made

Nottingham Forest are reportedly 'close' to finding an agreement to sign Jesse Lingard after his exit from Manchester United this summer.

The Guardian report that West Ham have held further talks with Lingard about a move to the London Stadium, while Forest are keen admirers. And last night, a development was reported by the same journalist who first broke the news that the Reds were interested in the 29-year-old.

Reporter Jacob Steinberg wrote on Twitter: "Update on this … now told Forest are close to agreeing a deal with Lingard. Not finalised yet but a fairly surprising development."

Wales midfielder Joe Allen has backed Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson to "make his mark" in the Premier League.

Allen, who recently signed for Swansea City, has heaped praise on Johnson after an impressive promotion-winning season in the Championship last term. Johnson will be looking to secure his seat on the plane to Qatar for the World Cup finals in November, with Wales qualifying for the first time since 1958.

Johnson has been praised by Allen for his "pretty fearless" attitude, "frightening pace" and ability to score goals. Those are things he will be showing in abundance next season when he takes on Premier League defences, no doubt.

Djed Spence has sent a special message to Nottingham Forest fans following his memorable spell at the City Ground.

The right-back was a revelation last season on loan from Middlesbrough, lighting up the Championship as the Reds secured promotion. He was integral to Steve Cooper’s side as they went from being bottom of the table to finishing fourth, followed by success in the play-offs.

The 21-year-old will go down as a Forest hero for the part he played, having made 46 appearances and scored