Nottingham Forest are in talks with free agent Jesse Lingard.

The Guardian says released Manchester United midfielder Lingard has been offered an initial two-year deal by Nottingham Forest as they hope to beat West Ham to the signature of the England international.

The 29-year-old is expected to decide on his future by the end of this week and is looking for a weekly salary of about £180,000, which would make him comfortably the top earner at the City Ground.

They believe that if Lingard joins, he would be a statement signing for Forest as they prepare for a first campaign in the Premier League since 1999.

Lingard's representatives are seeking up to £10million for their role in the deal, which may have played a part in the stalled talks with West Ham.