Nottingham Forest are reportedly preparing a £2m swoop for Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff.
According to today's Sunday Mirror, the Reds are keen on the midfielder who was all set for a move to Everton.
But Rafa Benitez's sacking has put the deal on hold and there is serious doubt as to whether he will be heading to Goodison Park this month.
Longstaff is reportedly being allowed to leave Tyneside by boss Eddie Howe despite the club being in a fight to save themselves from relegation from the Premier League.
Longstaff did feature for the Toon Army against Leeds at the weekend having played nearly 50 minutes in the win at Elland Road.
Midfield is a position that Forest are already well-stocked with Ryan Yates, James Garner, Jack Colback, Brian Ojeda and Cafu all fighting for a place in Steve Cooper's side.
Longstaff does meet the criteria of Forest's transfer policy with the club aiming to sign players who are young and can become good investments for the future.
Forest have already enjoyed an excellent start to the transfer window having signed Steve Cook from Bournemouth, Keinan Davis from Aston Villa and Richie Laryea from Toronto.
Cooper has been backed by the club's owners with the Reds hoping to force themselves into promotion contention.
Yesterday they secured a 2-1 win over crisis-hit Derby County which lifted them to eighth in the table.
