Manchester United are pleased with the role Nottingham Forest have played in James Garner’s development.
And the belief is he can eventually go on to play “at a high level for a duration of time”, according to the club’s head of academy, Nick Cox.
What that means for next season and the Reds’ chances of getting the midfielder back on loan, however, still remains to be seen.
Garner made a big impact in the second half of the season at the City Ground, playing a key role in helping to steer Chris Hughton’s side to Championship safety.
Forest are keen to re-sign him for next term, but are not the only ones interested, with Brighton & Hove Albion, Norwich City and Rangers all linked, as well as suggestions of a move abroad.
'Special' message
Nottingham Forest defender Jordan Gabriel has spoken of a “special season” on loan at Blackpool.
The right-back capped off his spell with the Seasiders with promotion to the Championship, celebrating play-off success at Wembley.
And that has led to Blackpool expressing an interest in signing him on a permanent basis, while other clubs have also been casting admiring glances.
Reds boss Chris Hughton is expected to run the rule over him in pre-season, however, giving Gabriel the opportunity to stake his claim for a spot in the team.
Carvalho debate
Debate has been reignited among Nottingham Forest fans over the next steps for Joao Carvalho.
With the midfielder’s loan spell at Almeria having come to a disappointing end by missing out on promotion, he is set to return to the City Ground.
Local newspaper Diario de Almeria suggest the Spanish second division side are unlikely to take up a purchase option on the Portuguese, leaving his future uncertain.
If that does prove to be the case, or other offers do not materialise, he will be back for pre-season training with the Reds.
Striker search
It’s no secret where Nottingham Forest need to strengthen this summer.
Having struggled to find the back of the net last season, it is a problem boss Chris Hughton must fix before the next campaign rolls around.
That includes bringing in extra resources during the transfer window.
If the Reds are going to challenge for a top six place, they need to add more goals to the squad.
Forest have been linked with plenty of strikers already, with the likes of Accrington Stanley’s Dion Charles, Blackpool’s Jerry Yates, Rochdale’s Stephen Humphrys and former Red Britt Assombalonga all said to be on Hughton’s radar.
