Defender Joe Worrall has spoken of his wish to commit his long-term future to Nottingham Forest - but says he is “still waiting” for the offer of a contract extension.
The 23-year-old, who celebrates his birthday today, has been one of the standout performers for the Reds under Sabri Lamouchi so far this season, starting every single league game.
It is form which has reportedly seen him catch the eye of a number of Premier League clubs, with Arsenal, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, West Ham United and Norwich City all linked.
Boss Lamouchi has made it clear he doesn’t want Worrall going anywhere. And the player himself is keen to follow in the footsteps of fellow Nigel Doughty Academy products Matty Cash and Ryan Yates, who have both recently signed new deals.
“I’m still waiting! It’s something that’s been spoken about the last couple of weeks,” said Worrall, whose current contract runs out in 2022.
“A lot of the ‘one of our own’ lads have signed new contracts, so I’m a bit miffed I’ve not been offered one yet!
“It’s just one of those things that gets spoken about - if you play 20 games in a row and perform well, then, if I was a manager or a CEO, of course you want to tie your best players down.
“It’s just something that all players will get throughout their career. It’s how you handle it, and not let it affect you.
“I just look towards the weekend and trying to win the game.”
Ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Reading, Lamouchi’s men sit fourth in the table, level on points with Brentford ahead of them.
Worrall's love for his boyhood club has never been in doubt, and he is desperate to be part of a Forest team which reaches the Premier League.
Asked if he would be keen to sign a new long-term deal, he joked: “Have you got a pen?!
“Of course. I want to stay here for as long as I can and get as much out of my Forest career as I possibly can.
“There’s only one thing on my mind, and that’s getting into the Premier League.
“If we do that, fantastic. If we don’t, I’ll still be here next year hopefully trying to do it again.”
