Abel Hernandez has been linked with Nottingham Forest, again, and it is easy to see why he could be on the Reds’ recruitment radar.
The summer of 2019 is not the first time that a move has been mooted.
Some 12 months ago, Aitor Karanka was said to be keen on the Uruguayan frontman.
The Nottingham Post is now reporting that interest has been rekindled.
That is because Hernandez finds himself treading water in the free agent pool.
He has been released by CSKA Moscow and is waiting on a suitable offer.
One may arrive from the City Ground.
Record
And if it does, then the Reds would be in the market for a striker with a decent record in the Championship.
That would be a useful box to tick.
Forest scratched that itch when acquiring Lewis Grabban back in 2018, and he is now in need of assistance on Trentside.
Anyone already versed in the demands of life in the second tier would be preferable to an addition with no such experience.
Hernandez has previously spent two seasons at that level.
And across 49 appearances, he recorded 28 goals – a return of better than one every other game.
That is not to be sniffed at.
Hernandez hit the fabled 20-goal mark that Forest are crying out for someone to find back in 2015-16, with his efforts firing Hull City to promotion into the Premier League.
Could history repeat itself with the Reds?
The 28-year-old certainly boasts the qualities to suggest that he would be a shrewd addition.
Theory
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He should, according to football theory, be at his peak and would bring physicality and goal threat to the fold which could be lost in Nottingham if Daryl Murphy moves on.
Given his pedigree, the South American would likely demand a sizeable pay packet.
That can be offset, though, but the fact that no fee is needed to secure his signature.
Forest could speculate to accumulate, especially if there is the potential for a short-term deal to be done for a man with a chequered injury record in recent times.
Hernandez may be tempted by another promotion bid which offers the potential for future personal gain, with fresh terms and more money there for the taking if a top-flight standing is delivered.
Sabri Lamouchi is crying out for another goal-getter.
Hernandez is available and there is plenty to suggest that a calculated gamble on bringing him back to English football is worth considering.
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