Djed Spence's opinion on his Nottingham Forest future may be irrelevant unless they are able to buy him in January.
That is the verdict of former Forest midfielder Guy Moussi, who was commenting on the possibility of his old club losing Spence's services in January on this week's Garibaldi Red podcast.
Spence, 21, has been outstanding as a right-back and wing-back since joining on loan from Middlesbrough on transfer deadline day.
The move was only possible with the blessing of Boro boss Neil Warnock, but Warnock left at the weekend to be replaced by Chris Wilder, who was at the City Ground to watch Forest's 3-0 win over Preston.
Former Sheffield United boss Wilder favours playing with wing-backs and given Spence's form may well be keen to bring him back to the Championship club.
Though Spence signed on a season-long loan, the player can be recalled in January.
Spence has flourished at the City Ground under Steve Cooper, but Moussi said that the player's potential desire to stay in Nottingham will not matter with Forest's best bet of keeping him being a likely hefty bid to sign Spence permanently.
"It's down to the club and what they want to do," Moussi said.
"If they need a right-back then the player is a Middlesbrough player. You have to do your duty.
"The player can say he's happy at Nottingham Forest, but if Middlesbrough decide they need a right back, they aren't going to let him stay at Nottingham Forest, who could maybe, maybe reach the play-offs.
"For me, it would be down to the club. If Nottingham say they want to buy him then maybe that is a different matter."
This week's second guest, Forest fan Max Hayes, admits he expects Spence to go as he urged the club to go all out for a deal.
"It's a big worry. It's a difficult one. Wilder will want to assess Middlesbrough's squad but he's probably kept a close eye on Forest as he was linked with the job," he said.
"I'd be surprised if Forest keep hold of him. That would be disappointing but the club have to do all they can and work together to see what they can do.
"If he goes it's a big, big blow. I hope he stays but I can't see it happening. Forest have to go all guns blazing to try and keep him."
