Nottingham Forest haven’t yet appointed Steve Cooper was their new boss – but he already wants to bring Jay Fulton to the City Ground.
That’s according to The Sun on Sunday (19/09, p61). They claim that Fulton is Cooper’s first transfer target at Forest.
The report states that Cooper was appointed on Friday which is news to us at least – Steven Reid took Saturday’s game at Huddersfield Town and Cooper hasn’t officially been brought in.
All the signs are positive though, and Cooper may fancy a reunion with Fulton at the City Ground.
What has Cooper said about Fulton?
Fulton, 27, started 34 league games under Cooper at Swansea last season.
Cooper raved about Fulton in October 2020, calling him ‘excellent’, ‘quality’ and ‘brilliant’ all in one sentence.
The Scot played a key role under Cooper, so maybe that Forest reunion would make sense.
Forest do though have a number of midfield players already.
James Garner, Ryan Yates, Cafu, Jack Colback, Tyrese Fornah and new signing Braian Ojeda are all in the mix.
Cooper would ultimately want a trusted lieutenant on the pitch to carry out his methods, and Fulton could be that man.
Would Swansea sell Fulton?
Fulton is under contract until 2024, so Swansea aren’t under immediate pressure to sell.
Cooper may love him, but Russell Martin doesn’t seem quite so enamoured just yet.
In the three games since the international break, Fulton has sat on the bench for all of them.
Fulton hasn’t kicked a ball since the 3-1 defeat at Preston North End last month.
If Fulton continues to be left out, Cooper may well sense a window of opportunity to swoop in and take Fulton to Forest in January – if he does become Chris Hughton’s replacement.