Nottingham Forest were yesterday linked with a move for Oxford United winger Gavin Whyte. The Belfast Telegraph (02/06; Back Page) claimed that the Reds are preparing a £2 million bid for the Northern Ireland international.
The 23-year-old typically plays on the right-wing and that does represent a somewhat area of concern for Martin O’Neill.
At times during 2018/19, Forest became predictable with their attacking intent. Joe Lolley on the left-hand side was typically the main outlet from the wide areas, with the Reds becoming easy to counteract.
Matty Cash is one option on the right but there is perhaps more a question of what Whyte’s arrival would do for the progression of Arvin Appiah.
The 18-year-old made six Championship appearances last term and also scored his first goal for the club during an EFL Cup defeat at Burton Albion.
With O’Neill citing previously his intentions to look at the club’s younger players, a move for Whyte might indicate that another season as a peripheral figure beckons for the England Under-18 international.
Appiah has looked reasonably lively when called upon towards the end of the campaign. He will only get better by playing more games for the team though and if Whyte’s arrival hinders that, Forest will hopefully have a contingency plan.
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You would think Cash will compete with the Oxford man for the starting berth and if that is the case, a loan spell could prove fruitful for Appiah.
Loan moves have paid dividends for Joe Worrall and Tyler Walker during the last 12 months and Appiah could be the next academy prospect to reap the reward. Especially if the deal to sign Whyte does come to something.
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