West Ham hold further talks with Jesse Lingard amid interest from Forest

West Ham have held further talks with Jesse Lingard amid interest in the former Manchester United midfielder from Nottingham Forest.

Lingard is understood to be close to making a decision on his future and West Ham are hopeful they will reach an agreement with the England international. The 29-year-old, a free agent after leaving United, had an excellent loan at the London Stadium two years ago and David Moyes is determined to sign him.

The complication is over Lingard’s wage demands. He has held out for a contract worth £180,000 a week, but West Ham’s reluctance to go to that has allowed other clubs to stay in the race. Everton are also in the running, Leicester, Newcastle and Tottenham are monitoring the situation, and Forest are considering whether to make him an offer.

Forest are looking to strengthen after winning promotion to the Premier League and signing Lingard, who has reportedly had interest from Major League Soccer clubs and a team in Saudi Arabia, would increase their attacking options.

At the moment West Ham, who remain in talks over a deal to sign the Chelsea striker Armando Broja, appear to be leading the race. Lingard has remained close with many of West Ham’s players and has a good understanding with Moyes, who wants more quality in attacking midfield.

West Ham are looking to back Moyes as he aims to build a squad capable of finishing in the top four. The club have made an offer of £30m plus add-ons for Broja, who has told Chelsea that he wants to leave on a permanent basis. The bid has not been accepted by Chelsea and discussions are ongoing. Everton could also bid for Broja, who is close to agreeing personal terms with West Ham,

West Ham have targets aside from Broja in attack. They submitted a €40m