Nottingham Forest are edging closer to the loan signing of Manchester City goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, according to The Sun (Print Edition, 27/06; Page 52).
Preston North End were keen adding Muric to their ranks, but the report suggests they are no longer in the running for his signature.
A 20-year-old, the second choice stopper at the Premier League champions was a standout performer during their EFL Cup campaign last season.
He played five games in the competition and kept four clean sheets. He was cruelly dropped for the final against Chelsea, replaced by Ederson.
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The signing of a goalkeeper would perhaps represent a surprise to Forest supporters.
Costel Pantilimon played 44 league games last season and was vastly improved under O’Neill’s management. Luke Steele and Jordan Smith are both also on the books at the City Ground.
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Despite some question marks over the need for a new goalkeeper, Muric would be a quality addition to the Forest ranks.
Pep Guardiola rates the uncompromising custodian very highly and he will hope to see his youngster play frequently for the Reds.
Something, or someone, will have to give, however.
Forest can’t possibly persist with four goalkeepers on the books and two of the current goalkeepers will probably leave.
Smith’s loan spell at Mansfield wasn’t overly fruitful last season and he will almost certainly be one casualty.
At 24 he simply needs to be playing games and he doesn’t look like doing that at the City Ground any time soon.
It could be a toss-up between the other two. Pantilimon will want to play having featured regularly for the first time in his career last season, whilst 34-year-old Steele can’t afford to sit on the bench for much longer.
O’Neill may well opt to keep three at the club, but it seems almost certain that if a deal for Muric gets over the line he will be Forest’s number one next season.