Jesse Lingard blow as unemployed former Man Utd star’s free transfer collapses at last-minute

JESSE LINGARD reportedly missed out on a list minute move to Saudi Arabia yesterday.

The Saudi Pro League transfer window slammed shut last night meaning no more players can head to the Middle East this month.

Reuters

Jesse Lingard has reportedly missed out on a late move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab[/caption]

According to Sky Sports, Saudi outfit Al-Shabab tried to get a deal over the line for Lingard before the window closed.

But the 11th placed Pro League outfit were unable to iron out all the details and lure the former Manchester United star to the Middle East.

Al-Shabab had been trying to sign Miguel Almiron from Newcastle earlier in the month, but failed to get that deal over the line too.

Lingard will remain available as a free agent after he has struggled to find a new home since leaving Nottingham Forest at the end of last season.

The 31-year-old spent one year at the City Ground, but was let go by the club on the expiration of his contract.

Since then the former England international has been training by himself to try and maintain his fitness levels for when the right opportunity comes knocking.

It looked as if Lingard was set to join Al-Shabab’s Saudi rivals Al-Ettifaq earlier in the season.

The attacking midfielder spent a month training with Steven Gerrard’s side in Dammam before the club opted not to proceed with signing Lingard.

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The former Red Devil has come under fire from Man United legend Paul Scholes for his period without a club too.

Scholes took aim at Lingard when the free agent posted some pictures of him working on his fitness in the gym on Instagram.

The 49-year-old commented: “Are you just gonna f**k about in the gym or are you gonna actually play football?”

Lingard has been linked with a move to Everton and has also reportedly offered himself up to Barcelona during the January window.

It is also said that a number of Turkish top flight clubs have been monitoring the former West Ham loanee.

English clubs have until 6pm on Thursday to get any deal over the line if they are to come in for Lingard.

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Instagram @ettifaq

Lingard trained with Al-Ettifaq earlier in the season[/caption]

Instagram @jesselingard

He has been maintaining his fitness alone ever since[/caption]