Rampant striker Tyler Walker would be welcome to return to Mansfield Town next season, says new Stags boss John Dempster.
Dempster has spoken to the Nottingham Forest forward and told him that he would have a place in their squad, as they look to make a fresh push for promotion from League Two.
Mansfield - and any other clubs targeting the 22-year-old - will have to be patient in their pursuit, with Martin O’Neill keen to give Walker the chance to shine at the City Ground in pre-season.
Walker netted 26 goals for Mansfield this season, as they narrowly missed out on automatic promotion.
His penalty was saved as Newport subsequently beat them in a shootout to earn their place in the play-off final at Wembley.
But Walker’s overall contribution has attracted plenty of admiring glances, including from O’Neill, who plans to include the son of legendary defender Des in his pre-season preparations, as he decides whether to keep him as part of the squad for the new campaign or whether to send him out on loan again.
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And, if Forest do choose to send him out on loan, Dempster - who replaced David Flitcroft after he was sacked following the failure to secure promotion - has made it clear that Walker would be made welcome at Field Mill.
“I spoke to Tyler this week and wished him well,” Dempster said in a press conference this morning.
“He spoke really highly of the football club and I would love to have him back next season. I've spoken to him and let him know he would be welcome back next season. I thought it was important to touch base with him.
"Centre-forward areas and wide areas are my main focus at the minute. We have some good defenders at the football club and have real strength in depth.
"I'll look to sign three to five players. The chairman has offered me his full support."
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Walker has made 14 starts and 24 sub appearances for the Reds, after coming through the ranks at the Nigel Doughty Academy, scoring four goals.
He has often been regarded as a young man with potential by previous Forest managers, but had found his first team opportunities liimited.
O'Neill is keen to ensure his development is maintained by playing regular football again next season.
Dempster,was previously youth team coach at Mansfield and his appointment came quickly following Flitcroft’s departure.
Although he has had the opportunity to talk to his squad, prior to the players departing on their summer break.
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"It's been a busy week. It's been brilliant to sit down with the players and discuss plans moving forward. It's been a positive week,” he added.
“Every player left with a positive mindset after the discussions. I've asked them to enjoy their break, complete their off-season programme and come back with positive vibes ahead of the pre-season."
