Nottingham Forest will step up their chase of Rangers star Connor Goldson following promotion to the Premier League, according to The Scottish Sun.
The Reds are back in the big time. Sunday’s 1-0 win over Huddersfield Town sparked pandemonium at Wembley and on the streets of Nottingham; ending 23 years outside of the top flight for Forest.
Having spent three weeks battling through the play-offs, Steve Cooper won’t enjoy much downtime. It will be a short break and back to work as the Reds plot a pathway towards Premier League survival.
Goldson has been on the radar of Forest for some time. He was linked in January, with the defender having just six months to run on his existing deal.
The centre-back has been offered an extension to stay at Ibrox. Now, it seems increasingly unlikely, however, that his future will remain with the Glaswegian giants.
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At 29-years-old, Goldson would represent an intriguing signing. He doesn’t fit the mantra of a Dane Murphy addition, although Cooper did enjoy some success with the free signing of Steve Cook.
Steven Gerrard signed the defender in 2018. He has been an integral member of the Teddy Bears team, making 222 appearances and scoring 20 goals for the club.
During 2021/22 he made 60 appearances in all competitions. Rangers couldn’t defend their league title but they did defy the odds in reaching the Europa League final before losing to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Forest step up Goldson chase and a centre-back could be handy
A different league calls for a different type of player. Goldson has been superb for Rangers and his big-game experience at Ibrox should put him in good shape for a Premier League move.
Cooper clearly fancies adding to his defensive ranks. Tobias Figueiredo could leave with his contract up, although the defensive wall from last season should stay intact.
Steve Cook, Scott McKenna and Joe Worrall should all stay. Jonathan Panzo and Loic Mbe Soh will provide options on the fringes next season.
With Forest typically utilising three central defenders, Cooper will want to ensure he has options and Goldson would provide competition in that area.