Nottingham Forest have signed free agent Jesse Lingard on a one-year deal.
The former Manchester United forward has rejected West Ham to join the newly-promoted Premier League side after they made a substantial offer to sign him, although the one-year contract does not include an option for a further year.
The 29-year-old’s representatives had been in talks with at least four different clubs in recent days after Lingard left Old Trafford last month following the expiration of his United contract.
West Ham wanted to sign Lingard, who scored nine goals and registered five assists for the Hammers during a successful loan spell in 2021.
But Lingard has rejected the chance to re-join the Irons despite what West Ham felt was a fair and competitive offer to the Englishman.
David Moyes’ side were not interested in getting involved in a bidding war with other clubs and are now focusing on other targets.
Meanwhile, Lingard becomes Forest’s 11th signing as they prepare for their first season in the top flight in 23 years.
Lingard, who had a loan spell at Forest’s fierce rivals Derby County in 2015, will wear the number 10 shirt for Steve Cooper’s side.
Lingard’s first home game for Forest will be against West Ham at the City Ground on August 14, live on Sky Sports.
Busy Forest add Lingard ahead of PL return
Nottingham Forest have been busy so far in the transfer market ahead of their long-awaited Premier League return.
Lingard’s arrival comes a day after Forest brought in Huddersfield Town’s Lewis O’Brien and Harry Toffolo.
Last month, Cooper’s side signed Nigeria forward Taiwo Awoniyi for a club-record £17.5m fee and have recently brought in Moussa Niakhate and Neco Williams – both in deals worth £17m.
Forest, who open their campaign with a trip to Newcastle on August 6, have also signed Brandon Aguilera, Giulian Biancone, Omar Richards, Dean Henderson and Wayne Hennessey.
Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports
Who will be on the move this summer before the transfer window closes at 11pm on September 1.
Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.