Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move for Swansea City midfielder Jay Fulton pretty much ever since Steve Cooper walked through the City Ground door.
Now, they could have a genuine chance to sign him, with the Swansea Independent claiming that the former Scotland under-21 maestro has no future at the Championship club.
Despite Cooper’s clear admiration for Fulton, he really should refrain from bringing him to the City Ground during the January transfer window.
For starters, Forest already have a plethora of midfield talent within their ranks.
Ryan Yates, Jack Colback, James Garner and Braian Ojeda are all first-team options. Cafu and Tyrese Fornah provide cover from lower down the pecking order.
In the case of Yates, Colback and Garner it’s fair to say that Cooper has worked his magic. Each player has improved considerably and with all three now available, there is a headache for the head coach emerging.
Ojeda made a tidy debut against Luton, whilst Cafu and Fornah will both have a desire to force their way into the reckoning too.
Fulton typically operates in a holding role and it’s fair to say that Forest already have plenty of players who can fulfil such a duty.
The midfield lieutenant was a regular at Swansea under Cooper. He has played 154 times for the club and performed superbly well under the Forest boss.
Forest can’t justify Fulton when critical matters remain
At 27, Fulton isn’t at a bad age for a central midfielder. He has a contract until the summer of 2024 and with that in mind, he’s unlikely to come cheap.
Forest ultimately have to focus their January attentions elsewhere.
Djed Spence could be recalled and with Max Lowe also out injured, Forest could actually require two full-backs again in January.
Lewis Grabban and Lyle Taylor are both in their thirties and there is also an argument to suggest a younger striker is required too.
As a result, Cooper has to park sentiment for at least one transfer window and avoid the chance of a reunion with Fulton.