Nottingham Forest are close to signing Jesse Lingard after hijacking West Ham’s move for the former Manchester United midfielder.
Forest, who are keen to show their ambition after winning promotion to the Premier League, have agreed a contract with Lingard worth around £200,000-a-week. The 29-year-old, a free agent after leaving United last month, underwent a medical on Wednesday night and a deal to bring him to the City Ground could soon be completed.
West Ham had been cautiously optimistic they would be reunited with Lingard, who impressed during a loan spell with David Moyes’ side two seasons ago. They were reluctant to meet the England international’s request for a deal worth £180,000, but believed an offer of around £150,000-a-week would convince him to return.
It came as a huge shock when it emerged that Forest were willing to break their wage structure for Lingard. West Ham were willing to make him their top signing despite concerns he would cause disaffection in the dressing room. They will be hoping Lingard has a late reversal on his decision to join Forest, who have made eight signings since promotion.
As it stands, Moyes faces the disappointment of missing out on one of his key targets. The West Ham manager believes Lingard, who can play in a number of positions in attacking midfield, would improve his side’s output in the final third. Moyes, who last month turned down the chance to sign Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma, has been the driving force behind Lingard’s pursuit.
West Ham will need to move on quickly if Lingard, who hopes playing regularly will earn him an England recall ahead of the World Cup, ends up at Forest. Moyes has made it clear he wants attacking reinforcements but also faces an anxious wait to see if a move for Chelsea’s Armando Broja comes through.
West Ham have made a bid of £30million plus add-ons for Broja, who want a permanent move, and there were hopes the striker would sign by the end of the week. However, Chelsea are understood to have tried to convince the 20-year-old to stay. Chelsea have yet to accept West Ham’s latest bid for Broja, who impressed on loan at Southampton last season.
West Ham’s alternative to Broja is Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca. They have tabled a £34million bid for the Italy international.
Huddersfield Town are set to sign Tino Anjorin from Chelsea. The 20-year-old striker was loaned out to Huddersfield last season and has agreed to rejoin the Championship club.