Neal Ardley says Lyle Taylor has all the quality to become a huge hit at Nottingham Forest if the forward makes a move to the City Ground this summer.
The Reds are reportedly in talks with the former Charlton striker after he was released by the Addicks where he was unable to negotiate a contract extension.
Celtic are understood to be keen on the 30-year-old. but according to journalist Alan Nixon, Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi is also interested in adding the forward to their strike force.
Notts County manager Ardley knows the forward well having managed him at AFC Wimbledon before he moved to Charlton two years ago.
During an immensely successful three-year spell, in which he scored 55 goals, Taylor fired Ardley’s Dons side to promotion in the League Two play-off final and is their record goalscorer in the Football League.
And he says Forest would be getting an exciting talent if they win the race to sign him.
“Lyle’s very flexible in terms of where he can play in the forward line.
“He can play wide of a front three, you can play him in a two or on his own which is brilliant and as a manager that is great to have.
“Technically he’s very, very good. And in those moments where you need somebody to nick half-a-yard and put it in the top corner from 25 yards, he’s capable of doing that.
“He’s a good size at 6ft 1, but in terms of his ability and if you’re asking me could he play in the Premier League, he could do that no problem.
“He needs a lot of love, but if you give him that, then he will repay you on the pitch. He’s that type of player.
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“I had a father and son relationship at Wimbledon. We had words at times along the way at Wimbledon and he can be a bit of a maverick.
“But we became very close and had that relationship where we could have those heart to heart conversations.
“He’s an outstanding player.”
