Ryan Yates has emerged as a target for Nottingham Forest's Championship rivals, according to the Mirror's live transfer blog (15/09, 10:16).

The midfielder has been an important player under Sabri Lamouchi since returning from a spell on the sidelines with injury last term.

The 22-year-old scored three goals in 28 appearances for the Reds last season, and he has also featured in both of Forest's opening two fixtures of 2020/21 against QPR and Barnsley.

Quiz: 6 of these Nottingham Forest facts are false – Can you identify them?

 

Yates - who signed a new long-term deal until 2023 at the City Ground last term - is now attracting interest from the Championship after becoming a key player for the Reds.

According to the Mirror, Middlesbrough and Millwall are interested in signing Yates, with both sides considering making offers of around £1.5million to £2million for the .

Here, we take a look at two pros and two cons to Forest selling Yates...

Pro: Plenty of depth

If Yates were to leave, then Forest have plenty of depth in midfield to cope with his departure.

The Reds brought in Fouad Bachirou and Jack Colback over the course of the summer, and there's still the likes of Samba Sow and Tiago Silva competing for places.

It's an area of the pitch where they are well stocked, that's for sure.

Con: Potential

Yates is only young, and the club clearly saw enough potential in him last season to offer him a new long-term deal.

He's only 22 and has still racked up plenty of appearances in the Championship, and another season with 40 or so appearances under his belt, his stock could rise even more.

That £1.5million could soon double if he helps Forest fight for promotion this term.

Pro: Opportunity to strengthen

Yates is a player who has divided opinions over the past year or two, and you do feel that Forest could get a better player for the money they'll receive for Yates.

He is a box-to-box midfielder who has had to adapt to more of a holding role under Lamouchi, and bringing in someone who suits that role would be a positive move.

Con: Allowing rivals to strengthen 

You'd imagine that Millwall will be finding for a promotion spot along with Forest this season, so would it make sense for Forest to sell an important player to their potential rivals?

Yates' performances have divided opinions amongst the Forest faithful, but there is no denying that he is an important player under Sabri Lamouchi despite this.

If he moved to the Den, for instance, and helped Gary Rowett's side push for promotion, then it would be a blow for the Reds.

The same situation nearly occurred with Albert Adomah and Cardiff City last term, and the Reds nearly lived to regret that one.