Nottingham Forest are set to complete the signing of former Rangers goalkeeper Nicky Hogarth. According to the Daily Record, the custodian will link up with the Reds following his Ibrox release.
The highly-rated stopper is set to sign a two-year deal at the City Ground. It’s anticipated that he will initially link up with the under-23 ranks.
Andy Reid will welcome the chance to have the 20-year-old in his ranks. His team will be in a new division this season, with the club winning a category one status for their academy.
Forest have beaten off competition from several English clubs. His performances for the Rangers youth team have caught the eye, but Forest have won the race.
Hogarth spent several spells away from Rangers out on loan. He played for Cowdenbeath, Stirling Albion and Caledonia Braves.
Another goalkeeper might not be a bad thing for Forest. The Reds have Brice Samba and Jordan Smith competing for the gloves in the first team.
Abdoulaye Diallo has been released, whilst George Shelvey has joined Mansfield Town on a season-long loan.
With that in mind, Hogarth could act as the third choice and he’ll hope to take his chance with the under-23 ranks as soon as possible.
Future star: Hogarth could prove a decent signing for Forest
The Reds have a proud history when it comes to nurturing talented youngsters and Hogarth will now hope to be the latest in a long line.
He could find himself playing a more prominent role though. Samba will stay as the number one, although Smith hasn’t always covered himself in glory.
If he impresses with Reid’s ranks then he could be propelled into first-team contention pretty quickly.
At this stage, it’s unclear what sort of goalkeeper he is. Coming in from Rangers, however, the hope will be that he boasts a decent amount of quality.