Jesse Lingard is training with Premier League club with 'possibility' of short-term deal

Jesse Lingard could potentially join West Ham this summer, according to reports, as he continues in his search for a new club.

The 30-year-old attacking midfielder, who has been a free agent since his release from Nottingham Forest in June, was spotted training with the Hammers on Monday.

It is believed Lingard was doing so to maintain his fitness levels but Sky Sports suggest there is a small possibility of a short-term contract being offered.

Lingard, of course, had a successful loan spell at West Ham in the second half of the 2020/21 campaign, when he scored nine goals in 16 Premier League starts.

David Moyes' side reportedly spent £4 million on that five-month stay but this time, it appears they could snap him up on a free.

Lingard, who has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League this summer, spoke to Sky Sports about his future back in June.

“I'm considering all options," he said. "I've never ruled out any team or club out, so for me it's just picking the right team and it's got to be right for me."

When prodded about what he is looking for in his next move, Lingard mentioned the project in Saudi Arabia.

"I want regular game time. I'm still hungry. I'm working hard out here," he added. "Saudi Arabia... they are doing big things. It's one of the hotspots to go to.

"I'm not really surprised that a lot of big names are moving out there. They've been doing really big things in the last couple years. It's something that I'm going to consider as well. It's just got to be right for me at the end of the day.

"I'll go with my gut feeling. I just want to get on the pitch. I'm still hungry for success."

Image credit: Getty

It has been a tough year for the former Manchester United midfielder, who was released by Nottingham Forest, just 12 months after being made the highest earner on a reported £115,000 per week.

He opened up about his spell at Forest in the interview with Sky. "For most of last season I was injured," he said. "It was difficult to get a rhythm and play regular first-team football.

"Injuries can halt that progress but it didn't stop me from being part of the squad. It was an amazing group of lads and to stay up in the Premier League was our main aim and we did that.

"I still wanted to work hard on getting in the team but like I say, sometimes injuries can halt progress. But I'm not going to complain about stuff like that."

Thoughts on Lingard's future? Let us know in the comments.