Newcastle United have identified Nottingham Forest star Ryan Yates as a possible transfer target, according to The Mirror.
The Magpies have started compiling reports on Championship players in the event of them losing their Premier League status this season.
Newcastle are currently embroiled in a fight against relegation. Eddie Howe’s team sit third from bottom and are currently a point from safety.
As a result, the club have already begun preparations just in case their survival bid doesn’t quite go according to plan.
One name they have mentioned is Yates. The Forest man has been a mainstay in the team under Steve Cooper and his form has improved drastically.
He was in the team yesterday as the Reds lost for the first time in five games to Cardiff City.
The 24-year-old has showcased his versatility of late. Cooper has utilised the player as a centre-back on some occasions with options limited in that area of the pitch.
Naturally, he’s a central midfielder though and it’s there where his performances have caught the eye.
Yates has been a regular in the team on a consistent basis since Martin O’Neill handed him a chance to shine in 2019.
He has made 110 appearances for the club, scoring nine goals and claiming three assists in the Garibaldi.
Integral: Forest will hope to keep Yates
The Reds won’t have to worry about losing Yates today. He will remain at the City Ground but if Newcastle are relegated, their interest could be a problem.
Yates is the subject of Newcastle interest. Although it does seem likely that they’ll only swoop should they go down at the end of the season.
The 24-year-old is growing at Forest and the challenge for the summer could be extending Yates’ stay at the club.
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