Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Brighton and Hove Albion forward Ryan Longman, according to Football Insider.

Longman has made only one first-team appearance for Albion, but caught the eye on loan in League One with AFC Wimbledon in 2020/21.

The 20-year-old scored nine goals in 52 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with five assists and scoring eight of those goals in League One.

Longman's future at Brighton looks uncertain, though, with the young forward still yet to agree an extension with the Seagulls despite being in talks to offer him a new deal back in April.

That has left some clubs on alert, and Football Insider claim that Forest are ready to make a move for Longman amid this uncertainty.

Here, we take a look at three clear reasons as to why Forest should go out and get this deal done this summer...

Attacking reinforcements needed

It is no secret that Chris Hughton needs to bolster his attacking options this summer.

Forest scored only 37 goals in 46 games in the Championship last season, and only Derby County scored fewer goals.

Longman is an exciting young player who can add goal threat, though, having scored nine goals and created five in League One.

He has been a regular goalscorer for Brighton's Under-23s', too, so clearly knows how to find the net and create opportunities.

Versatility

With Anthony Knockaert and Luke Freeman returning to their parent clubs, and Sammy Ameobi being let go at the end of his contract, Forest lack depth out wide.

They only have Lewis Grabban and Lyle Taylor to choose from up top, too, following Glenn Murray's decision to retire from the game.

This is where Longman's versatility could come into play, though. The forward can play out wide on either flank, but can also play through the middle.

Having a young player who can operate in a number of positions will only help Hughton going forward.

Change of direction

This would not only be a positive signing because of what Longman can offer on the pitch, but it may also signal a change of direction in terms of recruitment.

Forest made 14 new signings over the course of last summer, with many ageing, experienced players putting pen to paper.

One thing that was mainly criticised by fans was the club's recruitment policy, as a year down the line, the likes of Harry Arter and Fouad Bachirou have been told to find new clubs, as have the likes of Carl Jenkinson and Gaetan Bong who arrived the previous year.

But in Longman, they would be signing a young, up and coming talent who has thrived in League One on a permanent deal. He has potential, and there is clearly room for development.