Interest in Nottingham Forest defender Jordan Gabriel is stepping up as the summer transfer window kicks into life.
Newly-promoted Blackpool and League One Portsmouth have had their eye on the 22-year-old for some time.
And it is believed they could be ready to take things a step further as the start of the upcoming season draws ever nearer.
The Seasiders, in particular, have a strong interest in Gabriel and are understood to be keen to sign him on a permanent basis, following his successful loan spell.
However, there is no suggestion Forest are currently looking to sell, with the Nigel Doughty Academy graduate set to be given a chance to impress in pre-season.
Gabriel is understood to have attracted admiring glances from elsewhere during his time at Bloomfield Road.
Although he was an unused substitute as Lincoln City were beaten in the League One play-off final, the youngster played a key part in getting the club to Wembley.
He made 35 appearances and scored his first professional goal while with Neil Critchley’s side, amid some impressive performances.
Gabriel had been battling with Ollie Turton for a place in the starting XI during his time on the coast. But with his former teammate turning down the offer of a new contract and agreeing a move to Huddersfield Town, a spot in the team has potentially opened up.
However, the Reds, too, are short of right-backs.
Cyrus Christie made the positions his own over the past year, but is now back with parent side Fulham, where a one-year extension clause in his contract has been activated.
And Carl Jenkinson is among a group of players told they are free to move on this summer, which could leave Gabriel as the most senior option available to boss Chris Hughton.
The Forest manager has kept tabs on the defender throughout the campaign, as he has with other youngsters who have been getting experience elsewhere.
And he has said of Gabriel: “He’ll return to pre-season training and it will give me a really good opportunity to have a look at him.”
