West Ham United 'dodged a bullet' when they saw Jesse Lingard join Nottingham Forest instead of heading to the London Stadium during the summer, according to journalist Paul Brown.
Although Lingard spent the second half of the 2020/21 season on loan with the Hammers from Manchester United, he opted against sealing a return to the capital.
GiveMeSport The Verdict
What's the latest news involving Lingard?
A number of clubs were in the hunt to sign Lingard after his Manchester United contract expired during the summer.
Although West Ham were among his suitors, having chalked up 14 goal contributions during his temporary stint, the creative midfielder rejected the move and opted to join Nottingham Forest.
It is understood that Lingard penned a contract worth £120,000-per-week at the City Ground, but he has failed to rediscover the form he showed during his time in east London.
The 29-year-old is still searching for his first goal or assist in his new surroundings and has found himself on the bench on some occasions.
Lingard and Nottingham Forest are currently propping up the Premier League table, having amassed just four points from their opening eight fixtures.
What has Paul Brown said about Lingard?
Brown believes West Ham's failure to persuade Lingard to return to the club was a blessing in disguise.
The journalist feels the 32-cap England international made it clear that he was not fully sold on rejoining David Moyes' side.
When asked whether the Hammers would be revelling in the fact Lingard is struggling for form, Brown told GIVEMESPORT: "Whether West Ham feel that or not, I'm not sure. But I think they certainly dodged a bullet with Jesse Lingard.
"It was clear through that whole saga that he was never particularly committed to wanting to play for the club."
Will West Ham return for Lingard in the future?
Although Lingard only signed a one-year contract with Nottingham Forest, meaning there are doubts over where his long-term future lies, it is unlikely that he will pull on a West Ham shirt again.
Having missed out on the playmaker, the Hammers forked out a club-record fee of £51million to lure Lucas Paqueta away from French side Lyon.
The Brazilian has already made his mark in claret and blue and grabbed an assist in the Europa Conference League win over Anderlecht on Thursday.
With Paqueta on board, West Ham have moved on from Lingard, who won four trophies during his time at Old Trafford.