Nottingham Forest gem rated by Nuno snubbed Manchester United last year

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The academy at Nottingham Forest is one aspect of the football club that the supporters can unanimously agree is constantly thriving.

Yesterday, it came to light that Ryan Yates had penned a new contract and he’s the one academy player currently thriving in the senior team.

Forest have ensured there is joined-up thinking when it comes to the academy and development ranks – with the B-Team training at the same location as the first team in Spain.

The challenge now that Forest are a Premier League club is to make sure the next Ryan Yates continues to be unearthed by the coaches behind the scenes.

Forest have made a fortune in sales when it comes to cashing in on academy graduates over the years and that production line needs to continue at a solid pace.

With the season just weeks away, some news has emerged of a massive club trying desperately to sign one Forest academy graduate in recent years.

• READ MORE: Forest want £20m-rated winger this summer

Zach Abbott was subject of Manchester United bid

This is quite remarkable with John Percy from The Telegraph claiming that the young defender chose to stay at the City Ground.

Abbott has been training with the first team on a number of occasions this pre-season and it would appear that he’s highly rated.

The 18-year-old plays as a centre-back and was a regular in the B-Team last season as they enjoyed a successful campaign.

Abbott has actually made one appearance for the first team in the Carabao Cup and it looks as though his time will come.

It’s claimed that United came calling for his services last year but Abbott was extremely keen to remain on Trentside and penned a professional contract.

Now, he’s going to likely be playing regularly for the B-Team again this year but perhaps a loan might be sought.

Abbott could have an impact at Forest in the near future

With Felipe and Moussa Niakhate leaving the club and Joe Worrall likely to be sold by Forest, there could be a requirement for some backup central defenders.

Nikola Milenkovic has been signed this summer by Forest but elsewhere only Murillo, Willy Boly and Andrew Omobamidele remain as the defensive options.

That could see a door swing open for Abbott and the player has showcased in the past that he can play in a number of positions.

At 18, he perhaps isn’t quite ready for the Premier League just yet but it would appear that he’s on the right track, especially if Manchester United are looking at him.