Former Nottingham Forest striker Dean Saunders has told TalkSPORT his theory on why Jesse Lingard looks set to choose the City Ground for his next move.
The Reds look to be in pole position to sign the former Manchester United man. He’s also got an offer on the table from West Ham.
Lingard is a free agent having been released by the Red Devils and Forest look set to complete a remarkable coup.
Forest boss Steve Cooper has been desperate to bolster his attacking ranks and 10 new players have arrived at Forest so far this summer.
Saunders thinks he’s got a theory over why Lingard is making the shock decision to sign for Forest over West Ham.
He told TalkSPORT (Breakfast Show: 21/07; 08:40): “Steve Cooper is close with Gareth Southgate who likes him. He will know Lingard and perhaps he can get him playing and get him on that plane for the World Cup.”
Lingard made 232 appearances for Manchester United having spent around 20 years at the football club where he came through the academy.
At 29 he’s now looking for a new challenge and he looks set to choose Forest as the club where he will look to revive his form.
Saunders theory on Lingard perhaps makes sense
It’s a nice notion to think that Cooper and Southgate still chew the fat on various matters.
Southgate will know that Lingard is in safe hands if he goes to Forest and he will be intrigued by the transfer decision.
Lingard simply needs to play. He will have one eye on the World Cup and he will know that he has one last chance to play in another competition.
If Forest can get this deal over the line, it would represent a real statement signing.
The Reds have recruited well this summer and Lingard would be another useful addition to the Forest ranks.
Time will well Saunders’ theory has mileage and if the 29-year-old does shine on Trentside he could well head to Qatar this winter.
Receive a digest of our best Nottingham Forest content each week direct to your mailbox
