No days off for Jesse Lingard! Ex-Man Utd star and free agent posts training pictures on Boxing Day while sharing life advice

Lingard has been searching for a new club since becoming a free agent at the end of last season following his release from Nottingham Forest. The 31-year-old was training at West Ham earlier this season but a deal wasn't struck between the two parties. While the former England international, who reportedly rejected the chance to join Newcastle United or Fulham in 2022, isn't playing at present, he is still staying in shape in case a new club come calling. Moreover, the ex-Manchester United man posted a short statement on Instagram about his current mindset.

Along with his training pictures, he posted on Instagram: "Life on dnd (do not disturb) and only deal w [with] who I want."

Lingard has been without a club for more than half a year now. The longer he stays out of the game, the less likely it will be that he finds a team playing at a high level - such as the Premier League or in Europe. A couple of years ago, he was firing on all cylinders at West Ham during a loan stint but ever since going back to United, and then to Forest, things haven't panned out well for the attacking midfielder.

The January transfer window is set to open next week, where clubs are going to be on the lookout for new players, but as Lingard is a free agent he can be signed at any time. He came close to joining Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq,buttalks reportedly broke down over his wage demands. It will be a case of wait and see for the Warrington-born player.