Wayne Rooney gives brutal response when asked about signing Jesse Lingard at DC United

Wayne Rooney gave a ruthless and blunt response when he was asked about potentially signing Jesse Lingard at DC United.

Lingard joined Nottingham Forest on a free transfer last summer, signing a one-year deal following his Manchester United release.

He made 17 appearances for the club in the Premier League, failing to score a league goal as Steve Cooper kept them in the top flight.

Jesse Lingard in action for Nottingham Forest. Image: Alamy

Forest have since parted ways with Lingard, who's once again available on a free transfer.

He's been linked with a move to the MLS, with Rooney's DC touted as a potential destination due to their previous Man United and England connection.

But the Red Devils legend has shut down reports he's trying to bring his former teammate to the States.

"The Jesse Lingard [rumour]? I don't know where that has come from," he said. "From my point of view we have no interest in signing him."

Rooney, though, insists they are looking for new talent in the transfer window.

"We are obviously looking," he added. "There is a few players we have identified who we will work hard to try and bring in and there is things we can move round to try and do that.

"We have to be at our best, work at our best and we have to find the best way to free money up to bring players in."

Lingard will have to look elsewhere as he searches for his next club.

The 30-year-old resurrected his career with West Ham United following a blistering loan spell, where he scored nine goals in 16 league matches.

During his Man United stint, he enjoyed loan spells at Leicester City, Birmingham City, Brighton, Derby County and, of course, West Ham.

Where will he be plying his trade in the new season? Let us know where you think.