Sheffield United will return to Nottingham Forest with a fresh bid for Matty Cash, it has been reported.
The Blades have already seen a £6m bid turned down by Forest, who want £15m to let their newly-crowned Player of the Season leave the City Ground.
Boss Chris Wilder is keen to sign Cash and will now offer less money, but include two players, the Mirror claim.
They say Wilder will put down £4m for Cash, but tempt Forest with playmaker Luke Freeman and one other.
Reds head coach Sabri Lamouchi was keen to sign Freeman to operate in the number 10 role back in January, but saw three bids rejected by the Blades and with Forest keen to get their business done early in pre-season, the French head coach has rekindled his interest.
United paid £5m to sign Freeman just over a year ago when he became the club’s record signing, and it’s understood the Premier League outfit would be keen to recoup as close to that as possible.
While Forest would be reluctant to sell the 23-year-old who has been so impressive at right-back under Lamouchi, they acknowledge the need to stay within FFP limits and a big sale would enable the club to strengthen in other areas, while also allowing the player to test himself at the top level.
Forest have already signed Jack Colback on a free transfer and are expected to announce ex-Charlton striker Lyle Taylor as their second arrival over the weekend.
Defender Tyler Blackett, a former Manchester United academy graduate, is also said to be close to signing terms after leaving Reading.
