Reported Nottingham Forest transfer target Lawrence Shankland is being linked with a move to a different Championship club.
The Reds were reportedly interested in signing the Dundee United striker, but now another club appears to have stolen a march.
The Daily Mail claim that Stoke City are leading the chase to sign the 24-year-old, with Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough also credited with an interest.
Shankland has been in remarkable form for United this season, netting 28 goals in 29 appearances in all competitions, with that run seeing him targeted by a host of clubs across England.
Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi has been keen to add a striker to his ranks during this month’s transfer window, to provide back up to main frontman Lewis Grabban.
Rafa Mir recently left the City Ground to return to parent club Wolverhampton Wanderers, after his loan spell did not go to plan.
Bringing in a striker before the window closes remains a priority, and Cape Verde international Nuno da Costa is understood to be close to completing a move from Strasbourg.
With the transfer window closing in just two days time, Lamouchi remained tight-lipped about the prospect of any new recruits arriving at the City Ground.
“I never answer my phone during games, so I don’t know what’s happening,” the Frenchman joked, after Forest’s 1-0 win over Brentford.
“I just want to congratulate my team and my players for what they have done until now.
“If someone comes, it’s a good surprise.
“I don’t want a bad surprise, I just want a good surprise.
“If I have a good surprise, we are happy. But this dressing room is just fantastic. We just need more quality to help us, nothing else.”
