Midfielder Ben Watson says he would “100 percent” like to extend his stay at Nottingham Forest, with talks having already been held.
The 35-year-old signed a short-term contract to see out the rest of the season with the Reds, as the campaign extended beyond his June 30 finish date due to the coronavirus crisis.
Head coach Sabri Lamouchi has made it clear he wants to keep Watson after that, following an impressive 12 months in the Garibaldi.
And the player, too, has expressed a desire to remain at the City Ground - in no small part because of the impact the manager has had.
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“Yes, 100 percent,” he said, when asked if he would be keen to sign a new deal.
“With the gaffer signing a new deal... myself being out of contract, I’ll wait until the end of the season.
“We’ve spoken about it for next season. Everything is in the pipeline and we’ll just wait and see.”
Lamouchi has committed for a further two years, with the option of a third, having overseen a promotion push since taking charge last June.
His appointment has helped bring the best out of Watson, who has become one of the first names on the team-sheet.
It represents an incredible turnaround for the former Watford man, who admits, were it not for Lamouchi he could have been on his way last summer.
“He’s been a huge part of it for myself,” Watson said.
“When he took over… it’s not rocket science, without him coming in I probably didn’t have a future at the City Ground. That’s me being honest.
“He’s come in, he’s seen something and the respect we’ve got for each other is huge. Not just that, he understood that I could bring something to the table this season - probably more than anyone else thought.
“At this point in my career, he’s up there with the best I’ve had.
“I think it’s confidence more than anything.
“When a manager believes in you, it helps. That isn’t just me, that goes for any footballer.
“If you’ve got a manager who trusts in you, believes in you and believes in the quality you’ve got, it helps.
“If a manager doesn’t believe in you, then it goes the other way. That’s football. That’s the beauty of football - it’s opinions. Not everyone has the same opinion.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity he’s given me this season. I’ve enjoyed it so much and hopefully it finishes on a real high.”
Forest edged closer to securing a top six finish and giving themselves a shot at promotion via the play-offs with a 1-1 draw at Preston North End on Saturday.
It leaves them fifth with three games remaining, and a visit from seventh-placed Swansea City to come on Wednesday.
“I think it was a good point. They’re chasing us in the table and we’ve kept them at arm’s length,” Watson said.
“It’s a tough place to come. They are a team that puts the ball in the right areas and they put you under pressure with set-pieces and long throws, with the big man up top.
“It’s a tough place, with or without fans.
“We’ve got to concentrate on ourselves and take every game as it comes.
“We’re in a fantastic position. Before we kicked a ball this season, you’d have taken the position we’re in now with three games to go - I think everyone in Nottingham would.
“We’ve got to get the job done; finish the job and anything can happen.
“Hopefully we get the job done and we’ve got the extra games at the end of the season.
“It’s a great time to be involved with the club.
“We’ve had a fantastic season so far. Hopefully that continues and it can be a magical season.”
