Sabri Lamouchi has confirmed midfielder Ben Watson is unlikely to return to Nottingham Forest, following the end of his contract.
The skipper was a key player for the Reds last season but saw his deal come to an end this summer, with no new one agreed.
Although Lamouchi would like him to put pen to paper at the City Ground again, personal circumstances mean Watson is keen for a move further south, with QPR having been rumoured as a potential destination.
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“Ben is a different case,” Lamouchi told NottinghamshireLive.
“He had an amazing season - probably one of the best midfielders in the Championship.
“He was fantastic.
“But for personal reasons - his family is living in London - he is looking at a club in London.
“We keep in touch with Ben and the last time I spoke with him was last week.
“Probably the discussion with the (other) club is thinking to sign (him). It’s not done yet.
“We will see what happens with him.
“He was my captain and my brain on the pitch, so just for that, ‘thank you so much’.
“If we can do something with him, we will do it. If not, I will just say ‘all the best’, because he was a fantastic player and a fantastic captain.”
If Watson does indeed sign elsewhere, though, Lamouchi says he is not short of leaders in the dressing room.
“We have Michael Dawson, Lewis Grabban, Joe Worrall and Samba Sow,” he said.
“They are my four captains for the next season.”
