Nottingham Forest were linked with a move for Reading defender Tom Holmes in the summer and again during the January transfer window.
The Reds opted not to move for the youngster. Forest signed defenders Steve Cook, Richie Laryea and Jonathan Panzo last month instead.
Last night, Holmes was in action once again as the Royals spurned the chance to pull clear of the relegation zone.
Reading have now failed to win in their last 10 games, losing eight of them, following last night’s goalless draw with Peterborough.
Holmes linked up as a central defender once again and after the game, his performance was given a 6/10 by Berkshire Live.
The publication wrote: “He had a shaky start to the game but grew into it and handled the Peterborough strikers well. Came close to scoring early in the second half when he headed narrowly wide.”
Holmes has been a mainstay in the team during 2021/22. He has made 25 appearances for the club, featuring largely as part of a three-man defensive unit.
Reading are staring League One firmly in the face. Their draw last night leaves them just two points above the drop zone, with Derby only five back.
The Royals go to in-form Preston on Saturday and that won’t be an easy game in their quest to avoid the drop.
Forest will be weighing up whether to swoop for Holmes
At 21, he does fit the ethos of a Forest signing nicely. Dane Murphy would rather sign players with sell-on value, whilst Steve Cooper is a master at nurturing young players.
With that in mind, the Reds have a decision to make. Given that the Royals have struggled this season, Forest must weigh up whether Holmes playing as a defender has contributed to that at all.
- WANTED MAN: PL club eye Forest star
Holmes is out of contract in the summer so he won’t cost Forest much at all. A small compensation package would be due but it’s unlikely to be substantial.
Given that Forest added Panzo and Cook to their ranks in January, perhaps Holmes will be on the backburner.
The fact he can play as a right-back, however, will certainly offer the Reds some food for thought when the window reopens.