Report: West Ham could sign £15m Everton target if Nottingham Forest pinch Jesse Lingard

According to the Guardian, West Ham could turn to Everton target Ben Brereton Diaz if Nottingham Forest sign Jesse Lingard.

What’s the story?

Well, in a surprise turn of events, it seems Nottingham Forest are now leading the race to sign Lingard.

The Guardian believe Nottingham Forest are prepared to smash their wage structure to sign the England international, who has been holding out for a contract worth £180,000-a-week.

Lingard has held productive talks with the Championship play-off final winners, and with West Ham unwilling to meet his personal demands, a move to the City Ground now seems most likely for the 29-year-old.

Tottenham have also expressed an interest in the Manchester United Academy graduate.

Interestingly, the Guardian mention that some people at Nottingham Forest are still expecting West Ham to sign Lingard, although the Hammers themselves believe they are likely to miss out on a reunion.

The east Londoners are supposedly frustrated with the attacking midfielder, and are doubtful over whether he actually wants to play for them or not.

Some sources even told the Guardian that they feel Lingard should already be in pre-season training.

Nevertheless, if Steve Cooper does wrap up a deal for the Warrington-born attacker, it seems West Ham will pursue Blackburn forward Brereton Diaz instead, as David Moyes aims to strengthen his left-sided attacking options.

West Ham face Everton battle if Nottingham Forest sign Jesse Lingard

If Nottingham Forest do force West Ham to make contact with Blackburn, we presume Frank Lampard will be alerted.

It has been said that Everton are also interested in the Chile international, who is valued at £15m.

Brereton Diaz put his name up in lights last season after scoring 22 goals in 37 Championship appearances, while also becoming a hero for Chile.

In our view, he would be a better option for Moyes, given the fact he is just 23, six years younger than Lingard.

Of course, he wouldn’t be free, but there’s no way Brereton Diaz will demand the salary Lingard wants.

Make sure to keep an eye on this situation, as things could start to happen if Nottingham Forest secure a deal for Lingard.
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