Transfer talk
Nottingham Forest have been linked with a summer move for Tranmere Rovers winger Corey Blackett-Taylor.
The 22-year-old, who can play on either flank, was one of Rovers’ shining lights during a season which ultimately saw them relegated to League Two after the campaign was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Forest, according to Football Insider, are keen on the former Aston Villa man along with Scottish side Celtic and are looking to do a deal in the transfer window ahead of the new season.
Birmingham-born Blackett-Taylor came through the ranks at Villa Park and was first named on the bench under Tim Sherwood in a League Cup with Notts County in 2015, though he didn’t get on the pitch.
For your latest Forest news sign up to our newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page - or click here
Talented teens
Brennan Johnson says Nottingham Forest head coach Sabri Lamouchi has made it clear he trusts the teenager to play a part in the Championship run-in.
It has been a breakthrough season for Johnson at the City Ground, with the 19-year-old handed his debut by Lamouchi back in August, when he came off the bench on the opening day against West Bromwich Albion.
Since then, he has racked up eight appearances and made his first league start for the Reds in the 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday - the first game back after a three-month shutdown.
He kept his place for the following match, against Huddersfield Town, and although he has not been involved since, Johnson says he remains raring to go if called upon.
Looking ahead
Nottingham Forest could lean a start date for the 2020/21 campaign as early as next Wednesday.
Sabri Lamouchi's side still have fixtures left to play, and hopefully three play-off games, this season but have now been asked to vote on when next term should begin for themselves and their rivals.
EFL boss Rick Parry and his board members have today put forward two calendar proposals to EFL clubs that will be voted on before next Wednesday (July 15).
The first proposal will see the season start on August 29 and run until final day on May 9.
Rule change?
Football’s lawmakers are reported to be considering keeping the rule allowing teams to make five substitutions for next season.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) implemented the change as leagues returned to action in May following the three-month hiatus amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The rule was introduced as a short-term measure to protect players involved in leagues looking to finish their seasons this summer, with teams only given a short period of time to return to fitness in time for the return to action.
According to the Athletic though, IFAB are set to carry the rule into the 2020/21 campaign, which could also be impacted by the pandemic given the current season’s late finish.
