This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Nottingham Forest made it back to back wins at the weekend with a 1-0 victory over Derby County, a result that leaves Sabri Lamouchi's side in fifth place in the Championship heading into the latest international break.

Lamouchi is not resting on his laurels though and is already lining up a bid for Dundee United striker Lawrence Shankland in January, according to a report in The Sun.

Shankland, 24, has been in sparkling form for United this season in the Scottish Championship, with 19 goals and three assists in 18 appearances in all competitions, following his summer arrival at Tannadice Park.

So would Shankland be a good signing for Forest and is he actually needed?

We discuss...........

Chris Gallagher

"I think he could be exactly what they need.

"With Lamouchi preferring to go with formations that involve one striker, the reality is that they're going to struggle to get anyone to come in who will be better than Lewis Grabban.

"So, whoever they do sign needs to be happy with a bit-part role initially and that will suit Shankland who still has time to develop and improve his game and there's no doubt playing for Forest would be a huge step up for Shankland.

"He would also back himself to make an impact for the remainder of the season and he will think he could be linking up with a club that can be in the Premier League next summer. So, on paper, it's a move that suits all parties and he won't set the Reds back a massive fee."

Josh Cole

“This could turn out to be somewhat of a coup by Forest if they can seal a deal for Shankland in the January transfer window.

“One of Scottish football’s most exciting young talents, the forward has experienced a superb start to the 2019/20 campaign with Dundee United.

“As well as scoring 19 goals in all competitions for the Terrors, Shankland has also provided his team-mates with two assists.

“Although Forest would be taking a risk by signing him given that he has never played in the Championship before, the 24-year-old may be able to provide adequate back-up to Lewis Grabban who hasn’t had much competition up-front this season.

“With the Reds eyeing up a potential top-six finish in the second-tier, swooping for Shankland during the upcoming transfer window could end up helping their cause.”

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George Harbey

"I think that this would be a superb signing for Nottingham Forest, and a new striker is definitely needed in the January transfer window.

"Lewis Grabban has been in terrific form this season, but if he gets injured, then they only really have Rafa Mir who can play up top on his own, and he hasn't really shown flashes of quality just yet.

"Shankland is a pacey, dangerous forward who has scored so many goals over the past couple of years, and his goalscoring record in Scotland is nothing short of remarkable.

"Of course, it's unlikely that he will score as many goals in the Championship, but a fresh option off the bench is definitely needed for the Reds.

"He will be desperate to impress in England."