Skint Barcelona on red alert over shock Jesse Lingard transfer as they consider move for unemployed ex-Man Utd star
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JESSE LINGARD has emerged as a transfer target for Barcelona, reports suggest.
Lingard has been without a club since seeing his Nottingham Forest contract expire at the end of last season.
He has since trained with both West Ham and Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq - who today agreed to terminate Jordan Henderson's contract as he closes in on an Ajax transfer.
However, after failing to secure a permanent contract he remains a free agent.
But the 31-year-old's time in the football wilderness could be set to come to an end by the end of January.
According to Spanish outlet , Barcelona could make an approach for the former Manchester United star.
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The Spanish giants are unable to flex their financial muscles due to not receiving a £34.3million payment from German Investment firm Libero to buy Barca Studios, though a deal is also said to be edging closer.
This financial peril was laid bare by manager Xavi after the Blaugrana's 4-1 drubbing against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Xavi told reporters: "We can't [sign anyone]. As of today, the club can't bring anyone in. That's the situation we have."
With the club's hands effectively tied in the market, Lingard as a free transfer represents the ideal player for them from a financial point of view.
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Lingard was previously linked with the Camp Nou outfit two years ago before Ferran Torres was signed.
And that interest could finally bear fruit later this month with Xavi and his staff said to be keen to add someone of Lingard's versatility to the squad.
The England 2018 World Cup star has also been linked with a transfer to Major League Soccer side Portland Timbers after he allegedly brought in a new team of agents to secure him a new club.
In an effort to keep himself fit Lingard has been pictured training, though a previous post of this nature saw Red Devils icon Paul Scholes hit out at the Carrington graduate.
He shared a picture and video on Instagram of himself on the run in a snow-covered field - no doubt feeling the cold after the Met Office issued yellow snow and ice warnings for Scotland, northern England, north Wales and Northern Ireland today.
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