Nottingham Forest could face a huge blow following the sacking of Neil Warnock at Middlesbrough.
Warnock was dismissed by Boro on Saturday after their 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion, which could spell trouble for Forest, according to reports.
Djed Spence is on a season-long loan at the City Ground from Middlesbrough, and has impressive since his arrival.
The 21-year-old joined in September and has been a permanent fixture in the defence since, having helped Forest to six wins and three draws, along with grabbing a goal against Birmingham City.
Spence's impressive form under Steve Cooper has earned praise by the Forest faithful, so much so there has been plenty of talk about a permanent move on the cards.
Cooper 'reward'
Boss Steve Cooper is said to have travelled to Greece to meet with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis during the international break.
The Welshman has transformed the Reds’ form since his appointment in September, overseeing a positive run of results and a push up the Championship table.
Forest have lost just once under his stewardship, and climbed up to 13th on the back of Saturday’s 3-0 triumph over Preston North End. It is some turnaround compared to when they were rock-bottom of the standings under Chris Hughton.
And, along with chief executive Dane Murphy, Cooper has been “rewarded” for his efforts with a three-day stay in Athens, according to The Sun.
Keeper linked
Nottingham Forest are said to be keeping tabs on teenage Mansfield Town goalkeeper Owen Mason ahead of the January transfer window.
The 17-year-old put pen to paper for the Stags in the summer of 2020, and is in his second year with their Under-18s side - although he has already been involved with the senior squad.
Previously with Notts County, Eastwood CFC and Nottingham City Boys, he has also represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-18 level.
The young shot-stopper is now “being checked out” by the Reds, according to The Sun, most likely with a view to linking up with their youth sides.
More to come
Steve Cooper is excited by the promise the best is yet to come from Nottingham Forest youngster Brennan Johnson.
The 20-year-old has been one of the stars of the season so far for the Reds, comfortably making the step up to the Championship after impressing on loan at Lincoln City last term.
He has weighed in with three goals and four assists - most recently, setting up Lewis Grabban for his second against Preston North End on Saturday.
That came after Johnson had won a first half penalty, from which Grabban scored, after having two appeals waved away in his previous two games.
