Jesse Lingard is going to try his luck in Saudi Arabia (Picture: Getty Images)
Jesse Lingard is heading to Saudi Arabia to link up with Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq side on an initial one-month deal.
The former Manchester United player has been out of contract since leaving Nottingham Forest at the end of last season and is available to be snapped up on a free transfer.
West Ham looked like his likeliest destination as the 30-year-old has been training with the Hammers for around a month, rebuilding his fitness.
However, things have taken a turn and Lingard is now set for Saudi Arabia, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reporting that he will move to Al Ettifaq for a month.
It will be a chance to impress manager Steven Gerrard, with club, player and manager making a decision on Lingard’s future after the initial short spell.
Gerrard’s club has already brought in the likes of Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum, Demarai Gray and Moussa Dembele as they look to challenge for the Pro League title this season.
West Ham boss David Moyes was asked about Lingard’s future at the club on Friday and made no comment of the switch to Saudi Arabia.
‘I think Jesse is starting to get himself back, he’s had the best part of a month now like pre-season work and is involved in a lot of the football,’ said Moyes. ‘So he’s doing well but we’ve got no real update to give you from what I’ve said before.
‘But we’re happy to try and get Jesse in the right condition.’
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