Nottingham Forest moved to hand Joe Lolley fresh terms yesterday, with the winger rewarded for a fine season so far.  

Lolley has been Forest’s only consistent in an inconsistent season, with the 26-year-old producing some of the best football of his career.

He’s struck eight goals across all competitions, with seven of those coming in the Championship, as well as adding seven assists to that total.

A new four-and-a-half year deal for one of the Championship’s most productive forward players is more than deserved.

However, like many Forest fans, Lolley is going to be wondering what the summer holds if Forest don’t clinch an unlikely promotion.

The obvious reaction from Forest’s supporters is that they are delighted Lolley has committed, but a sea of fans believe the club have only moved to tie him down to increase his value when the summer comes around.

Reports from The Sun have already linked Aston Villa with a move for Lolley, who is also likely to attract Premier League interest if he continues to shine at the City Ground.

The player is going to be aware of that too, and with Forest not exactly convincing in the race for the play-offs, there’s every chance the club will be fielding bids for him ahead of the 2019/20 season.

A new deal is a reward for Lolley and he will be pleased with new terms and security. However, contracts in football means very little anymore and, in a weird sort of way, it means his long-term future is even more uncertain.