West Ham could turn to familiar face as they eye more squad depth

West Ham could reportedly look to bring back Jesse Lingard on a free transfer. The attacking midfielder is a free agent following his departure from Nottingham Forest earlier this summer.

According to a report by Football Insider, the former England international remains an option for David Moyes’ side. He had a loan spell at the London Stadium back in 2021.

West Ham may see him as someone to add more competition and depth to their squad ahead of the rest of the season. They are in Europe again this term and might need to bring in another player or two to help deal with the increased number of fixtures coming their way.

The transfer window is now shut until January meaning the London club will only be able to bring in further reinforcements in the free transfer market. Lingard left Forest back in late June and has since been carefully weighing up his next move in the game.

He rose up through the ranks at Manchester United and went on to make 232 appearances for the Premier League giants in all competitions, chipping in with 35 goals. As well as his temporary stint at West Ham, the Warrington-born man also had loan spells away from Old Trafford at Leicester City, Birmingham City, Derby County and Brighton and Hove Albion to gain experience.

Lingard joined Forest July last year on a 12-month deal and scored twice in 20 games for Steve Cooper’s side before heading out the exit door. A switch back to the Hammers is being touted now as Moyes’ men head into the international break in confident mood.