Keiren Westwood is reportedly at odds with Sheffield Wednesday over a new deal and that is something Nottingham Forest could take advantage of.
According to a report from The Sun on Sunday (12/05; Page 59), Westwood isn’t best pleased with the new one-year deal Wednesday have put to him. He wants to be offered a longer deal.
The 34-year-old has re-established himself as one of the most solid goalkeepers in the Championship. He was brought back into the team by Steve Bruce, after being frozen out by previous manager Jos Luhukay. He made 20 league appearances, and helped the Owls challenge for an unlikely play-off finish.
Taking this into account, it appeared that the Owls wouldn’t have any issues tying him down to a new contract. Bruce told the Sheffield Star last week that he was “quietly confident” that Westwood would sign on the dotted line.
However, it appears that discussions aren’t going to be as easy as originally thought. The Sun on Sunday’s report revealed that the experienced stopper wants at least a two-year contract. If this is the case, it’s likely that he’ll reject the current one-year deal on the table.
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Nottingham Forest’s goalkeeping situation has eased in recent weeks with the form of Costel Pantilimon. The 32-year-old goalkeeper was recently named in the Who Scored Championship Team of the Season. But not many could argue the fact that Westwood would be a significant upgrade on the Romanian.
For that reason, it would make sense for the Reds to keep an eye on the situation with Westwood and Sheffield Wednesday as the player could be exactly what they need next season.
They wouldn’t be the only team interested in him though. According to the Sheffield Star, relegated Huddersfield Town are also very keen. They have already been heavily linked and have reportedly offered Westwood a two-year deal.
Westwood is 34, which isn’t a bad age considering goalkeepers are capable of playing into their 40s. He certainly hasn’t shown any signs of being past his best at Hillsborough.
If Westwood is unhappy with his latest offer at Sheffield Wednesday and the Reds could do with another goalkeeper, things seem a perfect fit for both parties. The Reds would just have to be prepared to fight off a number of other teams for his signature.