Nottingham Forest have been linked in the past with Reading midfielder Josh Laurent. Right now, he’s playing superbly well and the Reds need to act.
Steve Cooper could find himself looking for some reinforcements for his engine room. Certainly, there will be one void created when James Garner returns to Manchester United.
Ryan Yates is a mainstay but Jack Colback isn’t getting any younger, whilst Cafu and Braian Ojeda appear to be peripheral figures at the moment.
Tyrese Fornah is another name to throw into the mix. He will likely earn a chance when he returns from a loan at Shrewsbury but a more experienced option could be sought.
That leads the club to Laurent. The club’s recruitment team were trying to sign the maestro when Chris Hughton was in charge and saw two bids rejected.
He ultimately stayed with Reading and prior to the international break he showcased his class; pushing Derby further towards League One in the process.
With the Royals level with Blackburn, Laurent took control of the game. With 11 minutes remaining, he bent an unbelievable effort into the top corner to showcase what he’s all about.
Laurent doesn’t score goals akin to this on a frequent basis. What he does do, however, is recognise when a game is there for the taking and he’s prone to rolling up his sleeves for the big occasions.
Cooper could do worse than bring Laurent to Forest
It was mildly amusing when Laurent struck to put an eight-point gap between Reading and Derby once again. For Forest fans, however, they must be wondering how he’d get on in their midfield.
At 26 he has bags of experience to his name and he’s not completely out of the remit imposed on the club’s recruitment team by CEO Dane Murphy.
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Crucially, Forest wouldn’t have to pay a transfer fee. Laurent is out of contract at Reading and he can leave on a free transfer in the summer.
The Reds could do a lot worse than sign Laurent and after his crucial goal in the relegation battle, he’s already warming himself to the Forest fan base.