Midfielder James Garner is said to be close to securing a Nottingham Forest return, on loan from Manchester United.
The 20-year-old impressed during his spell at the City Ground in the second half of last term, playing a key role for Chris Hughton’s side as he cemented a place in the starting line-up.
The Reds have been keen to get him back for the 2021/22 campaign, but have faced plenty of competition from elsewhere - including from arch-rivals Derby County and fellow Championship side Stoke City.
Swansea City, Sheffield United, Brighton and Hove Albion, Norwich City and Rangers have all also been linked.
However, Forest are “closing in on a deal” to bring him back, according to The Athletic - and he could put pen to paper before next week’s Carabao Cup tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Garner is said to be “in advanced negotiations” with his parent club over a new contract, with a loan switch to the Reds expected to follow.
He made 20 appearances in the Garibaldi last season, having joined in January - with all but one of those coming in the starting XI, while he also weighed in with four goals.
The Reds have been short of options in the centre of the pitch, with Ryan Yates and Jack Colback having been the first-choice pairing so far.
Forest have made three signings, in Ethan Horvath, Philip Zinckernagel and Jordi Osei-Tutu.
They have little more than a week left to complete their business before the summer transfer window closes.
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