Report: Forest see improved bid rejected for Derby star

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Nottingham Forest have seen a second bid for Derby County star Lee Buchanan rejected, according to Alan Nixon of The Sun.

It is claimed that the new package was better than the original offer, although the Rams still don’t deem it adequate enough.

Forest could now return with a third offer for the talented left-back with the season just over a week away.

Buchanan has risen through the youth ranks at Derby. He was a mainstay in Wayne Rooney’s team last season, catching the eye with a string of fine performances.

At 20, the youngster has no ceiling on his potential. The defender also earned a call-up to the England under-21 ranks during the 2020/21 campaign.

Derby’s situation is perilous. They have to resubmit their books by the middle of August and a points deduction could be on the cards.

Going into administration is a real possibility at the moment and Derby would be unable to sign a replacement for Buchanan at this stage.

The club are currently under a transfer embargo and with the season set to kick off next week, Rooney is struggling to field a team.

Forest are in need of a left-back. Yuri Ribeiro has departed on a free, whilst Tyler Blackett has undergone surgery. Starting the season with Gaetan Bong as the first choice left-back would be deemed an aberration.

Time for Forest to get serious over Buchanan

Clearly, the Rams have a valuation and Forest will need to meet that in order to prise him to the City Ground.

The Reds have to take advantage of Derby’s off-field situation and taking Buchanan could really stick them in the mud ahead of the season starting.

Forest’s need for signings is urgent. If there is some money in the pot then Buchanan has now become a priority signing.

If the season started this afternoon, the Reds could field a pretty decent team. Playing Bong at left-back shouldn’t even be considered an option though and the club has to address that.