Nottingham Forest have emerged as contenders to pip West Ham United to the signing of free agent Jesse Lingard this summer, according to a report.

The 29-year-old left Manchester United after over a decade with the club upon the expiration of his contract on June 30, and has been linked with several interested sides from around the globe.

The likes of Everton, Newcastle United, Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on Lingard from the Premier League, whilst the attacking midfielder is also said to have received offers from the MLS and Saudi Arabia too.

However, newly-promoted Forest are the latest side to rival favourites West Ham for his signature this summer, according to The Guardian.

Steve Cooper has significantly strengthened his Reds side with several new signings ahead of their long-awaited return to the top flight this season, but he remains in the market for attacking reinforcements, as well as central midfielders.

The report suggests that the Hammers remain at the front of the queue as things stand, despite being reluctant to fork out wages worth £180,000-a-week to take the England international to the London Stadium.

Lingard enjoyed an excellent six-month loan deal with David Moyes' side in 2021, during which he scored nine goals in 16 Premier League appearances.