A return to Nottingham Forest could be a “great opportunity” for James Garner, amid uncertainty over his future at Manchester United.
The midfielder has made his first appearance of pre-season since returning to his parent club, coming off the bench for the final 20 minutes of a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa in Australia. It was a first chance for new United boss Erik ten Hag to take a look at the 21-year-old, following two impressive loan spells at the City Ground.
However, it is unclear whether he has a part to play at Old Trafford for the upcoming season. And former United striker Andrew Cole believes he would be welcomed back by the Reds.
READ MORE: Forest point made after 'tough' encounter against Union Berlin
READ MORE: Re-live the action from Forest's defeat in Germany
Lingard view
beIN Sports presenter Richard Keys has slammed Jesse Lingard's decision to join Nottingham Forest and turn down a return to West Ham United.
The England international signed a one-year deal to become the Reds' 11th signing of the summer this week. He joined on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at Manchester United and is said to have rejected the chance to join West Ham.
Previous reports suggested the 29-year-old was close to a return to the London Stadium after a successful loan there in 2021. Lingard scored nine goals and grabbed five assists for the Hammers, but opted to join Steve Cooper's side instead, reportedly on wages nearing £200,000 a week.
Following the announcement of his arrival at Forest, Keys took to Twitter to share his feelings. He said: "Jesse Lingard is 'bang ordinary' to occasionally 'good' in a decent team - which Utd are not and he couldn't get a starting place there. It'll be interesting to see how he goes in a struggling side. How on earth can he choose Forest over West Ham?"
Player ratings
Nottingham Forest were beaten 1-0 by Union Berlin in their fifth pre-season friendly of the summer.
A step up in opposition for the Reds, Union Berlin provided a good test. The hosts saw plenty of the ball, pressed well when they didn’t have it and were a goal to the good at the break.
Forest took a while to get going in Germany, having to chase possession for long spells. Dean Henderson was called into action early on, making a fine save at full stretch to push away a header on the five-minute mark.
Jordan Siebatcheu scored the only goal of the game just before the interval. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players against Union Berlin.
Winger chase
Nottingham Forest are reportedly pressing ahead in their pursuit of Burnley winger sign Maxwel Cornet.
Cornet has been the source of speculation this summer after impressing in his maiden season in England with the Clarets. The winger scored nine goals in 26 games for Burnley, but couldn't prevent their seven-year stay in the top flight from coming to an end.
Cornet has featured in pre-season under new Clarets boss Vincent Kompany, but relegation means the Ivory Coast player can leave Turf Moor and plenty of clubs have been credited with an interest. Among them are said to be promoted Forest, but reports suggest their opening bid for the 25-year-old was under his £17.5m buy-out clause.
However, new claims from the Daily Mail say Forest are 'pressing ahead' to sign up Cornet ahead of Premier League rivals Everton and Fulham. They are said to have both proposed £5m up-front fees for a season-long loan with a further £20m to be paid to complete a permanent deal next summer.
Who else would you like Forest to sign? Have your say in the comments below
READ NEXT:
