Report: Everton interested in Jesse Lingard who is a free agent

Everton are reportedly interested in signing winger Jesse Lingard who is available on a free transfer.

The former England international was released by Nottingham Forest at the end of last season after failing to impress during his spell at the City Ground.

Indeed, the Toffees had been linked with a move for 30-year-old Lingard last summer, though the ex-Manchester United player opted to join Steve Cooper’s side.

However, according to 90MIN, Everton could reignite their interest in the attacker given his availability as a free agent.

The report also states that Lingard has already received offers from MLS sides, as well as clubs in Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

If Everton pursue Jesse Lingard, they will hope to replicate West Ham’s success and avoid Forest’s disappointment

Lingard had an impressive spell on loan at West Ham United during the second half of the 2020/21 season, scoring nine goals and contributing four assists in 16 games.

However, following his release from Manchester United in the summer of 2022, Lingard’s permanent move to Forest was less successful as the winger struggled to replicate the impressive form from his West Ham campaign.

Indeed, in 17 Premier League games at the City Ground, the 30-year-old failed to score a single goal for Steve Cooper’s side and now finds himself without a club.

A return to West Ham remains a possibility as the Hammers consider offering Lingard a short-term deal, with the winger currently training with David Moyes’ side.

Newly promoted Burnley are also reportedly interested and both Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe have held talks with Lingard’s representatives.

The winger’s form during his brief spell at the London Stadium was impressive, but he is a player who has continuously underwhelmed and underperformed throughout his career.

With that in mind, he’d probably fit right in at Everton, but I’d swerve this one if I was Sean Dyche.