Nottingham Forest reportedly want player Bruno Fernandes has deemed 'top level'

Nottingham Forest have reportedly joined the race to sign England international Jesse Lingard.

The Guardian claims the Reds have set sights on the 29-year-old, who is currently a free agent.

Forest have enjoyed a fruitful summer transfer window so far as they prepare for their Premier League return.

However, the Reds reportedly have competition from West Ham, Everton, Leicester, Newcastle and Tottenham for Lingard.

Indeed, the Hammers have apparently held further talks over their former loanee and are hopeful of winning the race.

West Ham previously had complications over Lingard’s wage demands, claimed The Guardian.

The attacking ace has apparently held out for a contract worth £180,000 a week.

And West Ham’s reluctance to go to that has allowed other clubs to stay in the race.

Lingard is understood to be close to making a decision on his future.

Forest would be landing a proven Premier League star in Lingard – TBR View

Lingard sadly didn’t have a great end to his Manchester United career, struggling for game time in recent years.

However, he was sensational on loan at West Ham in the second half of the 2020-21 campaign.

In May last year, Bruno Fernandes hailed his former clubmate’s efforts on loan at the London Stadium.

“If you see Jesse, I think Jesse, at the moment, if you watch the last 10 games, has been top, top, top level,” he told United’s club website.

“For me, if you watch the last 10 games, he’s been the best player in the Premier League, scoring and assists in every game.”

It would be a coup for Forest if they snapped up Lingard, on top of all the good signings they’ve made already this summer.