James Garner is “likely” to head out on loan again this coming season - potentially giving Nottingham Forest hope the midfielder may return.
The Manchester United youngster impressed during his spell at the City Ground in the second half of last term.
The Reds are keen to get him back for the 2021/22 campaign but were always likely to face a fight for his signature.
A number of other teams are said to have been eyeing up the 20-year-old, with Swansea City, Brighton and Hove Albion, Norwich City and Rangers all linked.
Meanwhile, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been running the rule over him in pre-season amid the possibility he may stay at Old Trafford to fight for a place.
Manager's response
Boss Lee Johnson has refused to be drawn on talk of Sunderland’s interest in Nottingham Forest defender Jordan Gabriel.
But he has outlined the kind of transfer targets he has in place as he works towards making summer signings.
The Black Cats are understood to be keen on signing Reds full-back Gabriel, along with Blackpool, where the youngster had a successful spell on loan last season.
The 22-year-old is currently Forest’s only senior right-back, however, after Cyrus Christie returned to parent club Fulham, while Carl Jenkinson has been told he is free to seek out a move elsewhere this summer.
Yates' decision
Nottingham Forest target Jerry Yates was always keen to stay at Blackpool this summer, according to boss Neil Critchley.
The 24-year-old signed a new deal with the Seasiders last week, with his manager hoping that dampens the transfer speculation which had been swirling.
A number of clubs had been keeping tabs on the front man, with the Reds believed to be among them, as well as Blackburn Rovers, Bristol City, West Bromwich Albion and Scottish giants Rangers.
But Critchley says Yates’ intention has always been to wear the number nine shirt in the Championship for Blackpool, following their promotion - and he penned a fresh three-year contract on Friday.
Selection debate
With two more friendlies to go, we are likely to get more of a glimpse into Chris Hughton’s first-choice Nottingham Forest XI this week.
The Reds boss has been rotating his players in the first four pre-season games, as well as giving minutes to a number of youngsters, to ensure the right fitness levels are reached.
But with the first Championship clash against Coventry City getting closer, expect to see more of a flavour of how Forest might line up for that one in their remaining outings.
Hughton’s side face Aston Villa at the Premier League outfit’s training ground tomorrow, in a behind closed doors encounter, before hosting Burnley at the City Ground on Saturday.
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