Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton claims he has kept tabs on three players on loan at clubs overseas during the current campaign.
Ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Bristol City, the boss was asked by Nottinghamshire Live about Joao Carvalho, Nicholas Ioannou and Nuno Da Costa.
All three have spent time during 2020/21 in foreign countries but are all under contract at Forest next season.
The Reds boss has implied that all three are in his thoughts, suggesting they might get a chance in pre-season.
He told Nottinghamshire Live: “I have kept tabs on them.
“Because of our schedule, what I haven’t been able to do is visually watch the amount of games on tape as I would have liked.
“But, I’m fully up to speed on their performances and games they’re playing in.
“I’m very conscious of all of those who are contracted to this club that in theory, they will be with us on the first day of pre-season.”
Supporters won’t be too fussed over whether or not Ioannou and Da Costa are back next season.
Plenty of ears will have pricked up at the talk of Carvalho, however.
The Portuguese performer hasn’t really caught fire on loan with Almeria but some would relish Hughton handing him a reprieve.
Carvalho has scored six goals and claimed nine assists during his time at the club, with many feeling he has been badly underused.
The ball could be in his court next season with Hughton’s latest comments.
Will the trio earn Forest chances?
It has to be said that for Ioannou and Da Costa it would be best for all parties if they departed.
The left-back is happy in Greece, whilst striker Da Costa hasn’t really pulled up any trees on loan at Royal Mouscron in Belgium.
Carvalho has shown his talents previously to Forest though and his technical ability is there for all to say.
If Forest don’t decided to sign Filip Krovinovic on a permanent deal, a vacancy for a No.10 could emerge.
It remains to be seen whether Carvalho is the man tasked with filling the void next season.