More woe for Jesse Lingard! Ex-Man Utd star offered to Ligue 1 clubs as a free agent but faces Brexit barrier in search for new club

The former England international remains a free agent following his release by Nottingham Forest at the end of the 2022-23 campaign. He has taken in trials at Premier League side West Ham – where he has previously impressed on loan – and Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ettifaq.

No deal has been done, with the 31-year-old still without a club. Foot Mercato reports that his representatives have sounded out a number of teams in France, including Lille, regarding potential interest. Talks will continue there, but there are issues outside of Lingard’s control that are blocking his path.

As an English national, Lingard is considered to be an “extracommunautaire” for teams in France – who can only register four players from non-EU states or countries. Brexit means that Lingard now falls into that category, which is complicating matters.

The same report claims that a move to MLS remains the “most plausible option” for Lingard, who has also spent time using the training facilities at Inter Miami since hitting free agency. He faces another waiting game there, though, as the new season in America will not get underway until February 2024.