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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Sarah Clapson

Nottingham Forest target set contract ultimatum amid uncertainty over future

Defender Josh Ruffels has been asked to make a fast decision on his future as his contract runs down, amid links to Nottingham Forest.

The Reds are believed to be keen on the Oxford United left-back, who was offered a new deal during the season but has yet to put pen to paper.

If he does not agree fresh terms with the U’s, Ruffels would become a free agent this summer.

Oxford boss Karl Robinson is eager for a resolution as quickly as possible one way or the other, with talks planned this weekend.

“That’s the one thing we have asked,” Robinson told the Oxford Mail. “From our point of view, we know where we’re at.

“We know what’s going on and we’ll be speaking over the weekend.

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

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

Ruffels has made more than 300 appearances for Oxford, including 48 during the season just gone as the team reached the League One play-offs, also weighing in with seven goals and six assists.

However, Robinson’s side fell short of promotion to the Championship, being beaten by Blackpool in the semi-finals.

It remains to be seen what impact that will have on his contract decision, with the 27-year-old thought to be keen to play in the second tier.

Would Josh Ruffels be a good signing for the Reds? Have your say in the comments below

Forest boss Chris Hughton has rotated the left-back spot during his time in charge.

Yuri Ribeiro played his part but has spoken of his wish to look for “other challenges” as his deal ends. There is also uncertainty about the future of Nicholas Ioannou, who has been on loan at Aris Thessaloniki, while Gaetan Bong is one of four players understood to have been told they can search for new clubs this summer.

If Ioannou and Bong do join Ribeiro in leaving the City Ground, that would leave Tyler Blackett as the sole senior player on the books for that spot.

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