With a season of impressive form behind him, another transfer window has inevitably brought more talk about the future of Joe Worrall.
The Nottingham Forest defender has been the subject of speculation before, and is understood to be attracting interest again as the summer draws into view.
It comes on the back of a strong campaign from Worrall. He was the Reds’ most consistent performer, earning him two Player of the Year awards from supporters.
In a year in which Forest generally struggled, the defence was one of the biggest positives - with the Nigel Doughty Academy product at the heart of it.
He had to contend with a couple of injuries, but still made 33 appearances and found the back of the net once as Chris Hughton’s side secured Championship safety.
His performances and his strength of character have seemingly not gone unnoticed by others.
Who is interested? What’s the state of play?
Burnley are long-standing admirers of the centre-back. They tried to sign him last summer, only to be rebuffed.
But they have remained keen and have continued to keep an eye on him.
It would come as little surprise if they tried their luck again.
Worrall has also caught the eye of Crystal Palace and Norwich City.
It was thought the newly-promoted Canaries may not be prepared to spend big when it comes to splashing the cash. Whether the club record sale of Emi Buendia to Aston Villa, for a reported initial £33m, changes that remains to be seen - but that link is nevertheless thought not to be as strong as others.
West Ham United are also understood to have put out tentative feelers, having been linked in the past, too.
For now, that is as far as it has got. The odd phone call, clubs keeping tabs and shows of interest.
So far, there have not been any bids. It’s expected Forest will have their resolve tested at some point, however, so it seems likely this will be one which rumbles on for a while yet.
Would Forest sell?
In the past, the club have generally made a considerable sale most years to help balance the books.
Chairman Nicholas Randall QC has stated a few times that tough decisions sometimes have to be made when it comes to letting players go, in that respect.
There’s been no suggestion the club would be looking to sell Worrall, and it would certainly be a blow to lose him - particularly as the aim is to push for the top six next season.
But with the 24-year-old valued in the region of £10-12m, the Reds could have a big call to make if someone is prepared to stump up that kind of money.
In terms of centre-backs, they currently have Worrall, Scott McKenna, Tobias Figueiredo and Loic Mbe Soh on the books, having let Michael Dawson and the out-of-favour Michael Hefele go.
Tyler Blackett is also capable of playing there, although Hughton has previously indicated a loan spell might be considered for Mbe Soh.
What has been said?
Worrall is used to all the talk by now.
Forest is his club. His passion always comes across whenever he’s on the pitch or does interviews.
He’s not the type of character to be banging on the door demanding a move.
Every player wants to test themselves at the top level. He would no doubt love to do that wearing the Garibaldi.
“It’s the same with any player under the age of 24! It doesn’t matter whether you’ve got two left feet or whatever, you’re always getting linked with whoever - more so in League One,” he said towards the back end of the season.
“If you play in League One, you’re automatically linked with a Premier League club, I think.
“That’s just the way football is, and it won’t change.
“Alex Mighten, Brennan Johnson, Ryan Yates, Joe Worrall - all young lads just get linked with moves everywhere.
“The media push the stories. Some of them are true, some of them aren’t.
“It’s up to Forest and, at the end of the day, me, if interest does come in, to make decisions.”
What has Chris Hughton said?
Asked if he was confident Worrall would still be at the City Ground come next term, Hughton previously said: “There’s always speculation about Joe Worrall.
“That’s not something I think about.
“Joe’s been fabulous for us. Unfortunately for Joe, he’s missed more games this season than he has done most seasons. He’s somebody who is very durable and it’s taken a couple of broken bones to keep him out.
“As regards whether he’ll be here or not, his situation is the same as that of any other player - they are here until they are not here.
“He’s a player we value very highly. He’s been very, very good for me and is good around the place.
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“It won’t be just Joe, you always expect speculation about who will be coming in and going out. It’s part and parcel of the game.”
On whether players need to be sold to fund new signings, Hughton has said: “There’s certainly been no indication of that.
“I’ve got total respect and confidence for the owners that whatever is the appropriate position for us as a club financially, that I would be afforded.
“At this moment, we need to finish this season, we need to see what is available to us on our recruitment, and see what we are able to do.
“But I’m very confident that whatever the support I can get, that I will get.
“But I’m very conscious of the times we are having at the minute.”
