Winger Anthony Knockaert’s loan spell at Nottingham Forest has officially come to an end today.
And Reds boss Chris Hughton says the club will consider “all their options” before deciding what happens next.
Forest have an option to buy the Fulham man, although trying to extend his loan until the summer would seem the most likely course of action.
They could face competition from elsewhere, however, amid suggestions there is interest from abroad.
“At this moment, what I can confirm is this is his last day, officially, of his loan,” Hughton said.
“At this particular moment, he’s not eligible for us.
“We are very much in a period of January where we are looking at the options – and all of the options we have.
“What I will say about Anthony is he has certainly given us something in this period of time, different to the other wide players we’ve got.
“Over the period of time he has started to have more influence.
“But we are in a January period where we have to start making decisions. And we hope there are decisions to be made.”
Knockaert has improved as time has gone on during his spell at the City Ground.
He has made 16 appearances in the Garibaldi and scored one goal, but Saturday’s 1-0 win at Preston North End could prove to be his final game for the club, unless a deal can be struck.
Asked if his comments meant he was hopeful of the 29-year-old returning to Trentside, Hughton told NottinghamshireLive: “I wouldn’t read too much into it.
“This is a player we’ve had here since the start of the season and he’s got better in the period of time he’s been here.
“But we have to look at all of the options, or potential options, we have.
“That’s why, on most occasions, it’s very difficult to be clear about anything, because there are so many different permutations that come into anything.
“But I’ll reiterate, I think he’s got better in the period of time he’s been with us.”
