It is fair to say that £2 million does not get you much in the modern transfer market, but it could land Nottingham Forest the signature of Lawrence Shankland.
That is the price tag reported to be on the 24-year-old’s head by the Scottish Sun.
Unsurprisingly, a man with 19 goals to his name this season is attracting plenty of interest.
Scouts from the City Ground are said to have been dispatched to watch the Dundee United star in action.
It would be a surprise if the reports sent back to Nottingham are not positive.
Especially given Forest’s obvious need for reinforcements in the striking department.
Lewis Grabban, fresh from his derby day heroics, is very much the main man for the Reds.
If he were to get injured, though, or require a well-deserved rest, then there is only Rafa Mir to step in.
The on-loan Wolves forward has hardly inspired confidence to this point.
Which leads us back to Shankland.
Impact
Reds legend Kenny Burns is among those to have been talking up a raid for a fellow Scot.
He has said in the Nottingham Post: “I see Forest linked with a move for Lawrence Shankland at Dundee for almost a year now.
“He’s been in great form up there, has scored 19 goals and looks a player with real potential, nor would he cost the earth.
“At the age of 24, he’s still young enough to learn how to adapt to English football and make an impact.
“For me, he’s a risk worth taking.”
Burns went on to say of the alternatives previously linked with Forest: “Especially when you look at the figures involved in signing somebody like Dwight Gayle.
“His salary would be huge, even if Forest paid a good percentage and there would be a hefty loan fee, all would cost considerably more than Shankland.
“Gayle wouldn’t swap Newcastle’s bench for the one at the City Ground either, so unless Lamouchi is planning on changing his formation to accommodate two strikers, where would he fit in?
“At the expense of Grabban?
“Shankland on the other hand, would be one that could play and challenge Grabban’s place now, while also being developed for the future.
“Nor would he cost too much, so I’d say it’s a deal which makes sense.”
Bargain
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There does appear to be little risk involved.
Even if Shankland were to struggle in English football, he would still have cost less than a sixth of the fee paid out to land record signing Joao Carvalho.
And if he were to shine, then another bargain has been found.
Forest invested around £2m in Brice Samba over the summer and found considerable value there.
A similar arrangement could deliver more rich rewards.
Sabri Lamouchi needs another frontman and the opportunity may present itself to land one relatively cheap.
Shankland would be an investment for the present and future.
A player with potential in a situation which would allow patience to be shown.
There are never any guarantees when dipping your toe into the murky waters of the transfer market, but there appears to be little chance to being bitten in this mooted deal.
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