Lingard's agents take new transfer direction as ex-Man Utd star eyes return

15 January 2024 , 20:15

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Jesse Lingard's exile from the game could come to an end as MLS clubs weigh up a potential move for the free agent (Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)

Former Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard could be set to rebuild his career in MLS after his new agents liaised with clubs in the United States over a potential move.

The 31-year-old has been without a club since leaving Nottingham Forest at the end of last season after his lucrative one-year deal came to an end. He last played a competitive game back in April and has since trained with both West Ham and Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq - without earning himself a permanent deal.

However, it appears that the 32-time England international is now more determined than ever to end his exile from the game as he parted company with his former representatives recently. Now, his new agents have put the feelers out to teams in the US, with the Portland Timbers reportedly among the sides interested in his services.

According to the Daily Mail, the man who scored the winning goal in the 2016 FA Cup final is being 'monitored' by the MLS outfit currently. Previously, links with David Beckham's Inter Miami came to nothing, while Wayne Rooney ruled out signing his fellow former Old Trafford star during his tenure at D.C. United.

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After the summer transfer window passed without Lingard securing himself a new club, he has since been training in the gym in Dubai as he looks to keep himself in a prime condition to resume his career. He has also kept his followers updated on his progress on his Instagram page in the meantime.

As he looks to stage a comeback to action in 2024, he posted a picture of himself training alongside a motivational quote, which read: "My focus is different. My time is being invested in growth. I don't expect people to understand what I'm up to. Eventually, they will, alongside the caption: "High vibrations and good energy only!"

His social media activity has been the subject of some brutal putdowns by Manchester United legend Paul Scholes, however, who has issued some barbed jibes in his direction on the platform. Commenting on one post, the Red Devils hero said: "Are you just gonna **** about in the gym or are you gonna actually play football?"

Jesse Lingard still finds himself without a club (Getty Images)

Speaking over the summer, Lingard spoke honestly about his situation as he explained why he has been unable to secure himself a new club. He told Sky Sports: "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.

"I just want to play football at the end of the day and that's all I want to do. Obviously the project has got to be well suited for me," the ex-England star continued as he outlined his desire to play, adding: "The team's got to be moving in the right direction but just regular game-time - I'm still hungry."

The former Old Trafford wonderkid's final game for most recent employers Forest came in a two-minute cameo versus United on April 16. He was picking up a reported £120,000-a-week during his deal at the City Ground and he contributed two goals in 20 appearances with the club as they maintained their Premier League status last term.

Tom Beattie