Nottingham Forest will have to pay £5 million in order to sign Blackpool promotion-winning striker Jerry Yates, according to The Sun.
The 24-year-old enjoyed a memorable campaign during 2020/21. He fired 23 goals and registered nine assists as the Tangerines won the play-offs.
There is also some further bad news for the Reds. West Brom and Blackburn are now firmly in the race to sign him.
Both of those clubs will be in far stronger positions than Forest. West Brom have the luxury of parachute payments, whilst Rovers are set for a £25 million windfall when they sell Adam Armstrong.
Yates performed very well during last season. He drops deep to gain possession and is game is about far more than scoring goals.
His nine assists highlight the work he does for the team and he’d be a good signing for any Championship club.
Blackpool will hope the £5 million valuation will keep Yates from the clutches of other clubs.
That might not be so simple though, with plenty of second-tier sides likely to splash the cash in the summer.
Forest probably won’t be one of those and the latest update certainly provides a setback or two for the Reds.
Forest striker search goes on
The valuation placed on the head of Yates does look high.
Last season was the first campaign where he’d really shone and he’s unproven at Championship level.
Forest will be eyeing up plenty of different options but Yates might be further down the list now.
West Brom and Blackburn will seemingly have bigger financial clout, with Forest likely to tighten the belt.
The Reds were the lowest scoring team in the Championship last season, with the exception of Derby.
As a result, reinforcements are sought and Chris Hughton will hope to get a striker through the door sooner rather than later.
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