Brentford look to be out of the race to sign Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall after Celtic star Kristoffer Ajer passed a medical with the Premier League newcomers.
According to Sky Sports, the 23-year-old has edged closer to a switch to the Bees after passing the standard examination.
The Sun reported that Forest believed Worrall was on his way to Brentford at the weekend. Thomas Frank had a change of heart, however, and pulled the plug on the Reds star.
Ajer will cost Brentford £13.5 million, which is interestingly around the same mark at which Forest will do business for Worrall.
The Norwegian performer has made 176 appearances for the Hoops. He looks set to leave as they kick off their Champions League qualifying campaign tonight.
Forest will be happy to scrub another club out when it comes to interested parties in Worrall’s services.
Burnley have also signed a central defender this summer, whilst Crystal Palace recently signed Marc Guehi from Chelsea.
Norwich have been linked but have handed Grant Hanley a new contract. West Ham will be in Europe next season and of all the clubs interested in Worrall, they perhaps provide the biggest threat.
Celtic man to Brentford: Great news for Forest but Worrall chase will continue
Plenty of clubs will be biding their time over new signings and Forest fans perhaps shouldn’t be too excited just yet.
Another club declining the chance to sign him will give supporters a little bit of satisfaction, however.
Worrall is already integral to the club’s plans under Chris Hughton and it really would be amazing if the club manager to keep him for next season.
At 24, the academy graduate will only get better and Hughton could also consider him as captain material for next season.
Ajer’s move to Brentford is certainly positive news. It will now be interesting to see whether or not any new clubs come in for Worrall in the coming weeks.