According to a source who spoke to ESPN, Al Ettifaq are willing to sign Jesse Lingard even if it means reducing the number of international players on their roster.
Although he has not yet signed a long-term contract, Lingard trains with the Steven Gerrard-coached Saudi Pro League team.
Al-Ettifaq, who have 10, are searching for ways to move at least one player in accordance with Saudi league rules, which state that only eight foreign players may be featured in a matchday squad.
Swedish winger Robin Quaison and Brazilian winger Vitinho are two potential departures, a source has told ESPN.
Since taking over as manager in July, Gerrard has already brought in Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Demarai Gray. Gerrard is in control of signing international players.
Lingard is a player Gerrard wants on his team. Earlier this month, the 30-year-old former Manchester United forward participated and scored against Al Khaldiya in a friendly match.
Since leaving Nottingham Forest at the end of the season, Lingard has remained without a club, despite interest from La Liga team Osasuna.
A permanent transfer to Al-Ettifaq, who are now seventh in the Saudi Pro League standings and six points behind league leaders Al-Hilal, now appears to be the most likely option for him. He has also spent time training with West Ham, where he enjoyed a successful loan stint in 2021.
Before leaving Old Trafford in 2022, Lingard had accumulated 35 goals in 232 games for United. He has 32 England caps and was a member of Gareth Southgate’s team that advanced to the World Cup semifinals in Russia in 2018.