Port Vale are interested in signing Nottingham Forest defender Jordan Gabriel on loan this month, according to BBC Radio Stoke reporter Phil Bowers.

The 21-year-old has been a key player for Forest's Under-23s so far this season and made his first-team debut for the Reds against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup earlier in the season.

The right-back is rated highly for the future at Forest and was one of the youngsters who was included on the bench for the FA Cup clash with Chelsea at the weekend.

Port Vale are currently tenth in the League Two table and are unbeaten in their last four matches in the fourth tier. Manager John Askey is keen to strengthen his squad in the transfer market this month and has identified Gabriel as a possible loan signing.

The highly-rated defender is capable of playing at full-back or centre-back, so his versatility would make him a very useful signing for Port Vale.

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The Verdict

This could be a good move for all parties. Gabriel is a promising young player and he could have a bright future ahead of him at Forest. He impressed against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup earlier in the season and clearly has a lot of potential.

Forest are hoping to challenge for promotion this season, so it's highly unlikely that Gabriel will get a chance to play for the Reds in the league, given his lack of experience.

However, going out on loan to a club like Port Vale would give him the chance to experience regular first-team football in a very competitive league, which will be very important for his development.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.