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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Sarah Clapson

Nottingham Forest face competition for out-of-contract ace from Championship rivals

Nottingham Forest face competition for Oxford United defender Josh Ruffels.

The Reds are believed to be keen on the left-back, who is coming towards the end of his contract with the League One side.

Ruffels has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal with the U’s, despite being offered fresh terms during the season.

If an agreement cannot be reached, he will be available as a free agent this summer - and Forest are not the only ones interested in securing his services.

Championship rivals Huddersfield Town are targeting the 27-year-old, according to YorkshireLive, as they look to strengthen their squad.

Both the Reds and the Terriers could be in need of a new left-back, and Ruffels is thought to be keen on playing in the second tier, having missed out on promotion with Oxford.

Boss Karl Robinson has reportedly identified potential replacements should the player move on, and he is keen for a quick resolution to the situation.

“That’s the one thing we have asked,” the manager has said. “From our point of view, we know where we’re at.

“We requested a resolution and Josh deep down is an Oxford fan.

“We’ve had some good conversations, but we also respect the situation.”

Forest confirmed the departure of Yuri Ribeiro this week, when they announced their retained list.

The Portuguese was one of seven out-of-contract players to depart, along with five loanees returning to their parent clubs.

It marks the start of a summer of rebuilding by Chris Hughton as he looks to put together a group capable of challenging for a top six spot.

Doubt remains over the futures of Nicholas Ioannou and Gaetan Bong, which could leave Tyler Blackett as the only senior left-back at the City Ground.

Would you like to see the Reds sign Ruffels? Have your say in the comments below

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