Journalist and reliable source Daniel Taylor of The Athletic has now backed a 'surprise' Nottingham Forest transfer twist involving former Man United star Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: Reds make move...

The Englishman seems set to be one of the biggest free agent deals of this window as he continues to attract interest from a host of clubs both in the Premier League and abroad.

ESPN recently claimed that alongside Everton, Tottenham and West Ham, clubs from the USA, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi have all expressed interest in signing Lingard this summer.

A man in demand, the ex-Red Devils star is now also a major target for Forest and manager Steve Cooper with Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian recently breaking news that they're advancing in negotiations.

The Latest: Taylor backs 'surprise' news...

Taking to Twitter, reporter Taylor of The Athletic has now backed this 'surprise' transfer twist out of the City Ground.

He explained:

"It’s true: Nottingham Forest really are trying to sign Jesse Lingard.

Talks underway and #NFFC willing to break pay ceiling for former Man Utd and England player. Lingard has been speaking to West Ham but Forest trying to close surprise deal."

The Verdict: Ambition...

Having already completed ten major signings this summer, it appears Forest's ambition is showing no sign of stopping after their long-awaited promotion back to the big time.

Signing Lingard on a Bosman, especially when factoring in his brilliant spell on loan at West Ham over 20/21, would come as a really shrewd piece of business and may well be the cherry on top of a fantastic window.