Sky Bet Championship side Nottingham Forest are among a host of clubs reportedly interested in signing Forest Green Rovers defender Nathan McGinley.

The 22-year-old was a hugely influential figure for Mark Cooper's side last season, making 46 appearances in all competitions as the Gloucestershire outfit finished in the League Two play-off semi-finals.

A commanding, ball-playing centre-half who can also operate as a left-back, McGinley signed for Rovers initially on loan in the summer, before the club made his move permanent in January.

But with one year left on his contract at the New Lawn, Forest, Huddersfield, Swansea and Bristol City are all believed to be interested in the defender, according to reports from TEAMtalk.

Here, we discuss whether he would be a good signing for Forest...

[ad_pod ]

George Harbey

"This is a transfer rumour that is likely to divide opinions amongst the City Ground faithful, as their defence doesn't really need strengthening.

"Alex Milosevic, Jack Robinson and Yohan Benalouane all stood out in the latter stages of the campaign, and the Reds still have Tobias Figueiredo, Joe Worrall, Michael Dawson and Michael Hefele waiting in the wings.

"Unless there is a mass overhaul this summer, I cannot see them wanting to sign McGinley, and despite how impressive he was last season, I don't think he's good enough to make the step up just yet either."

Gary Hutchinson

"No chance, far too much of a step up.

"He wouldn’t play, it’s as simple as that.

"Forest Green did not look great defensively last season; they could attack from the flanks but weren’t solid at the back.

"If he’s signed as one for the future, maybe, but this isn’t something they should pursue."

Toby Wilding

"This could be an interesting signing for Forest.

"It does seem they are interested in a left back, with Martin Olsson also linked, but those are two players in considerably different stages of their career, with Jack Robinson having also established himself in that position at The City Ground last season.

"Bringing in McGinley could therefore be a smart move, giving him the opportunity to learn from the more experienced players in that position, before stepping into the role on a more regular basis later in his career."