JESSE Lingard is back training with a former club as the Longford-born England international continues his search for a new club.

Following the expiration of his one-year contract with Nottingham Forest, Lingard is now back training with former club West Ham.

The former Beamont Community High School joined West Ham on loan from Manchester United in 2021, scoring nine goals in 16 league appearances to help shoot the Hammers into Europe.

Beloved by their fans following this spell, the announcement he was training with the squad comes as a surprise following the English midfielder’s decision to turn down a return to the London club.

At the end of Lingard’s contract with Manchester United, he was offered the chance to return to West Ham and rekindle their successful relationship but snubbed them.

Lingard instead chose higher wages to take up a one-year-contract at the City Ground in Nottingham.

After this, West Ham fans turned on the Warrington-born lad, throwing fake £50 notes on the pitch during his first match against West Ham last season.

According to a report in the Evening Standard, despite returning to training, Lingard is not expected to sign a contract with the London club.

Instead, the chance to train and stay fit is seen as a courtesy to a player who remains on good terms with the club staff.

Despite previous rumours of offers from Saudi Arabia and the player himself stating he would be open to the move; no concrete links have formed regarding the player’s next club.