Burnley are reportedly ready to “step up their interest” in Nottingham Forest ace Joe Worrall, ahead of the January transfer window.
The Premier League side have been long-term admirers of the Reds centre-back, though have previously been rebuffed in their attempt to prise him away from the City Ground.
However, it is claimed the Clarets are likely to try their luck again next month, as they are set to be taken over by American sports investors ALK Capital.
The Mirror say Burnley “plan to step up their interest in Joe Worrall after their takeover”, as it will “help boss Sean Dyche go back in for” the defender.
The report adds: “Burnley want Worrall in January to groom him as the long-term successor to established defenders Ben Mee, 31, and James Tarkowski, who has top-flight admirers.
“Forest have previously regularly sold their star players to fund rebuilds, with Matty Cash the latest to go.
“Now Worrall is likely to be next to go to give new boss Chris Hughton funds as there is also interest in him from Germany.”
Forest are reported to value Worrall at £10m.
The Nigel Doughty Academy graduate has made 10 appearances so far this season, having spent a spell on the sidelines with injury.
Since returning, he has been a regular under Chris Hughton and was handed the captain’s armband in Lewis Grabban’s absence.
