Unemployed Jesse Lingard ‘closing in on lucrative transfer’ but ex-Man Utd ace can’t play until next year
JESSE LINGARD is “closing in” on a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, according to reports.
The former Manchester United forward, 30, has been a free agent since he was released by Nottingham Forest in the summer.
He was training with West Ham but failed to secure a contract with David Moyes’ men.
Since then he has jetted off to join up with Steven Gerrard‘s Al-Ettifaq.
According to Sky Sports, he is expected to sign with the Middle East outfit.
But the foreign players’ rule means he will not be able to play for the club until January.
Rules state Saudi Pro League sides can only have eight foreign players in their matchday squad.
Al-Ettifaq already have 10 – including ex-Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and former Everton winger Demarai Gray.
They will need to sell some foreign stars in the mid-season window in order to make way for Lingard.
When asked in June about a potential move to Saudi, he said: “I’m considering all options.
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“I’ve never ruled out any team or club, so for me it’s just picking the right team and it’s got to be right for me.
“Saudi Arabia are doing big things, and in the next couple of years or so, it will be one of the hotspots to go to.
“I’m not really surprised that the big names are moving out there. Like I say, they’re doing big things and it’s something I would consider as well – I’ve not ruled that out either.
“It’s got to be right for me at the end of the day. I’ve got to go on my gut feeling but I’m still hungry and striving for success.”