Former Nottingham Forest striker, Garry Birtles believes Britt Assombalonga could leave the club during the summer transfer window, reports the Nottingham Post.

Assombalonga joined Forest in the summer of 2014 from Peterborough United and has scored 25 goals during his time at the City Ground, despite struggling with injuries.

This season, the striker has struggled for a regular run of games, featuring just 23 times in the Sky Bet Championship, with just 14 of those from the start.

Despite his limited appearances, Assombalonga is still Forest’s top goal scorer, finding the net on nine occasions this term.

Birtles, who was writing in his column for the Nottingham Post, said: “In my opinion he's still an exceptional centre forward and I've no doubt speculation about him will resurface again in the summer.

“If he feels under-appreciated then I wouldn't be surprised if he considered his future given everything that has gone on behind the scenes since he signed.

“Forest have lots of potential, but they just aren't delivering on it and given how many admirers Assombalonga has, they might want to capitalise on it.”

The signings of Ross McCormack and Zach Clough, combined with the emergence of Ben Brereton has given Gary Brazil a selection headache in attack, with Assombalonga now fighting for his place in the starting 11.

Assombalonga started Forest’s disappointing 3-2 defeat to Brentford on Tuesday evening, and is likely to be in contention for Saturday’s clash with fellow strugglers Burton Albion.

Forest are currently 18th in the Championship table, just five-points above the relegation zone, and are looking to move away from the bottom-three.

Forest fans… How much of a blow would it be to lose Assombalonga in the summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!