Report: Nottingham Forest to rival Celtic for ‘excellent’ striker

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Nottingham Forest are in the mix to sign Hibernian striker Kevin Nisbet, according to the Daily Mail. Celtic hold the aces though, with Brentford, Swansea and Krasnodar also keen.

The 24-year-old went to Euro 2020 with Scotland and is currently on holiday following their elimination. He was a late substitute in all three of the Tartan Army’s contests.

Signing Nisbet won’t come cheap. Birmingham City had a £3.2 million bid rejected in January, with Hibs holding out for a fee in excess of £4 million.

During 2020/21, the striker scored 18 goals and claimed eight assists. In September, he also earned praise from Scottish football legend, Ally McCoist. After his performance against Rangers, he called the talisman ‘excellent’ for his efforts.

Nisbet has spent time with lots of clubs in Scotland. He has turned out for Raith Rovers, Dunfermline, Partick Thistle, Ayr, Dumbarton and East Stirling.

Right now, Forest are probably considered outsiders for his signature. Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou is on the lookout for new players and perhaps provides a more attractive outlook.

The Reds definitely need a striker though. Lewis Grabban and Lyle Taylor both struggled last season. As a result, Chris Hughton will look to freshen up his attack.

Nisbet to Forest: A risk at £4 million

Forest have enjoyed mixed success with the Scottish market in recent years. Both Jason Cummings and Barrie McKay flattered to deceive, although Scott McKenna was brilliant when he arrived from Aberdeen last season.

The Reds must tread carefully. A fee of £4 million would seriously decimate Forest’s kitty and they still have other areas that need reinforcing.

There is no doubting that Nisbet can play though. He has proven himself as a feared marksman during the last 12 months and the vast interest is no surprise.

Forest lived to regret not signing John McGinn from Hibs back in 2017. It seems unlikely that Nisbet’s career will take off in the same fashion, but Forest won’t want to hold any more regrets.

With that in mind, there is plenty to ponder for Forest over their Nisbet pursuit.