Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest

Premier League • England

Jesse Lingard could leave Nottingham Forest this week as two Turkish clubs target former Man Utd enigma

Jesse Lingard at Nottingham Forest

Jesse Lingard as a substitute for Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest midfielder Jesse Lingard has emerged as a target for Fenerbahce and Besiktas before the Turkish transfer window closes this week, TEAMtalk understands.

Lingard was Forest’s marquee signing on a free transfer from Manchester United in their busy summer recruitment spree. But he has failed to live up to expectations at the City Ground.

The 30-year-old is yet to have the desired impact in Steve Cooper’s side, failing to score or provide an assist this season in the Premier League.

Lingard has only started 11 of Forest’s 21 Premier League games so far this term and his two goals and two assists have come in the Carabao Cup.

The England international only signed a one-year deal with Forest upon his arrival in the summer. TEAMtalk exclusively revealed back in November that the club were already considering letting go of their highest earner.

Ultimately, he didn’t find a new club before the English transfer deadline at the end of January. But the window remains open in Turkey, which could enable him to complete a move there.

Now, Fenerbahce and Besiktas are hoping to prise Lingard away before Wednesday’s transfer deadline.

Fenerbahce and Besiktas are both looking to add to their midfield options before the transfer window closes and they are ready to test Forest’s resolve to hang onto Lingard.

Fenerbahce are currently second in the Turkish Super Lig table, six points above Besiktas, who are in fourth.

Lingard would have Europa League football on offer by joining Fenerbahce. There are a few familiar faces in their squad, like ex-Leeds man Ezgjan Alioski, former Bournemouth forward Josh King and Chelsea old boy Michy Batshuayi.

Alternatively, Lingard could head to Besiktas, where Dele Alli and Nathan Redmond are in the squad on loan from Everton and Southampton respectively.

Jesse Lingard could make first foreign move of his career

Moving to Turkey would be the first time Lingard has represented a foreign club. All seven of his previous teams – starting with Manchester United and leading up to Forest – are English.

But at the age of 30, it could be time for a fresh start for Lingard, since his move to Forest has not provided what would have been expected.

Lingard previously made more than 230 appearances for Man Utd. However, his time there was something of a rollercoaster.

He revived his career during a six-month loan spell with West Ham in 2021, before returning to see out the last year of his contract with his parent club. Opportunities back at Old Trafford were limited, though.

Forest won the race to sign him last summer on a free transfer. They may be having second thoughts about his status in the squad, though. Hence, it will be interesting to see how they would respond to any potential offers from Fenerbahce or Besiktas.

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