Jesse Lingard has been spotted in training for Al-Ettifaq as the midfielder has begun his training period with the Saudi side.
The former Manchester United winger has been without a club since he completed his move away from Nottingham Forest after struggling to make an impact for Steve Cooper’s side.
The 30-year-old had been training with his former side West Ham as he looked for a new club.
And, according to the Daily Mail, the England international had impressed manager David Moyes, who was considering offering him a short-term deal but wanted to be assured about his commitment to the club first.
Lingard ihas now joined up with Al-Ettifaq, the Saudi Arabian side managed by Steven Gerrard, on a month training deal and photos of the England international have emerged.
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and ex-Everton winger Demarai Gray were among the Premier League players to move to Al-Ettifaq this summer.
Where would Lingard fit in
The Englishman could potentially line up in a midfield that features Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum, that is if Lingard does enough for Gerrard’s side to offer him a new contract.
The English midfielder would bring guile and some tenacity to a midfield that is certainly crying out for exactly that at the moment.
Lingard would also add goals from midfield, something that could be key for Gerrard’s side moving forward.
The Englishman was asked about the prospect of a move to the Middle East a few months ago and seemed to predict that some of Europe’s top stars would indeed make the move East.
“Saudi Arabia are doing big things, and in the next couple of years or so, it will be one of the hotspots to go to,” Lingard told Sky Sports.
The 30-year-old will be hoping to do enough to earn a contract at the Saudi side.