Forest, keen to show their ambition after winning the Premier League, have agreed terms with Lingard on an initial one-year contract worth almost £200,000-a-week. The 29-year-old, who is free after leaving United last month, passed a medical on Wednesday night and becomes the Midlands club’s ninth summer signing. It is understood that Forest have also entered the race to sign Maxwel Cornet from Burnley. Everton had a loan offer for the Ivory Coast striker rejected last week. West Ham were cautiously optimistic they were to be reunited with Lingard, who excelled during a loan spell with David Moyes’ side two seasons ago. They were reluctant to meet the England international’s demand for a deal worth £180,000, but believed an offer in the region of £150,000-a-week would persuade him to return to east London. It was a huge shock when it was revealed that Forest were willing to break their wage structure for Lingard. West Ham were ready to make him a top-earner despite concerns that doing so would cause discontent in the dressing room. They even hoped Lingard would have a late change of heart. Moyes must now deal with the disappointment of missing out on one of his key targets. The West Ham manager believes Lingard, who can play in a number of positions in attacking midfield, would have improved his side’s performance in the final third. Moyes, who turned down the chance to sign Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma last month, has been the driving force behind Lingard’s pursuit this summer. West Ham must move quickly after Lingard, who hopes playing regularly will earn him an England recall ahead of the World Cup, settled at Forest. Huddersfield Town are set to sign Tino Anjorin from Chelsea. The 20-year-old forward was on loan at Huddersfield last season and has agreed to rejoin the Championship club.
