Jesse Lingard's transfer to new club collapses on deadline day

Former Manchester United and Nottingham Forest midfielder Jesse Lingard is still a free agent after he missed out on a last-minute move on deadline day, according to reports.

The 31-year-old, who has been without a club since June following his release from Forest, recently terminated all ties with his former agent in an attempt to find a new club as soon as possible.

He has been linked with a host of clubs in recent months, including Saudi Pro League side Al Etiffaq – a club he trained with for a number of weeks in October, although a transfer failed to materialise.

Lingard also offered himself to Barcelona in January but with hours left of this winter's transfer window, the Manchester United academy product is still without a team after a late move fell through.

That reported move was believed to have involved Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab, who tried to get a deal over the line for Lingard before their transfer window slammed shut, according to Sky Sports.

Al Shabab, however, failed in a last-minute attempt to bring the midfielder to Riyadh before the window in Saudi Arabia closed on January 31. They also failed in their bid for Newcastle's Miguel Almiron.

The report also claims Lingard has been approached by 'a couple' of Turkish Super Lig teams as he continues to weigh up his options.

Despite a lack of movement, Lingard is said to be doing 'his utmost' to find a new club as soon as possible and is open to any possibilities.

Back in June, the former England international said he was open to joining a club from the Saudi Pro League following his departure from Nottingham Forest.

"I'm considering all options," he said. "I've never ruled any club out. For me, it's just about picking the team that's right for me. I just want to play football at the end of the day."

Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab failed in a last-minute bid to sign Jesse Lingard yesterday 🇸🇦❌ pic.twitter.com/6dLIeEvTCW

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 31, 2024

"I want regular game time. I'm still hungry. I'm working hard out here," Lingard 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."