Blackpool are ready to test the water over a move for Nottingham Forest youngster Jordan Gabriel, according to The Sun (27/06; page 61).
The 22-year-old spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan with the Seasiders. He helped the club return to the Championship and Neil Critchley wants him back.
Portsmouth are also keen to sign the Forest academy graduate who made two Reds appearances last season.
Gabriel signed a new contract at the City Ground before joining the Tangerines last season. He now has a deal at the club until 2024 handing Forest some security.
Gabriel made 35 appearances for Blackpool last season, scoring a single goal during an FA Cup clash with Eastbourne.
The youngster operates as a right-back and looked pretty solid during the outings he made for Forest last season.
He will surely hope to receive a Forest chance and it seems likely that he will get one during 2021/22.
Cyrus Christie has returned to Fulham after his loan spell, whilst Carl Jenkinson has reportedly been told he can leave.
That leaves the door open for Gabriel to grasp his chance with both hands. He will benefit from the year out on loan and should arrive back full of confidence.
Critchley is clearly a fan of the Forest man and he is reportedly hoping to land the defender in a bargain deal.
Forest can’t afford to sell Gabriel
The Reds need to start adding some players to their ranks and can ill-afford to let anymore leave. That notion is more evident at full-back with Forest desperately short of options.
Gabriel showed promise during his two performances last season. Although a little raw, he showcased credentials to become a really decent Championship player.
As a result, the Reds have to let Gabriel have a chance to establish himself before they remotely consider letting him leave.
Forest need reinforcements and losing Gabriel now could be seriously detrimental to the club.
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