Nottingham Forest continue to chase a deal to sign Anthony Knockaert from Fulham ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline.

Chris Hughton has recently been appointed at the City Ground and has set his sights on securing the service of Knockaert.

As per the Mirror’s Live Transfer Blog (14/10, 11:20), Hughton wants to structure a loan-to-buy deal for the winger, as he looks to reshape the attack that he’s inherited at the City Ground.

Quiz: Do Nottingham Forest and Derby County have these 10 things in common?

Knockaert on one flank, with Sammy Ameobi or Joe Lolley on the other and Lewis Grabban leading the line, is what the new Forest boss envisages.

Last year, Knockaert was part of the Fulham squad that won promotion to the Premier League.

The 28-year-old scored three goals and registered four assists in 45 appearances for Fulham last season in the Championship, as Scott Parker’s side won the play-off final to secure promotion.

Knockaert was a major part of Hughton’s squad with Brighton and Hove Albion too, with the Frenchman helping the Seagulls to promotion in 2016/17.

He bagged 15 goals and registered eight assists that season as Brighton finished runners-up to Newcastle United.

The winger then helped the Seagulls establish themselves in the top-flight with Hughton.

The Verdict  

This type of deal is proving to be hugely popular in the Championship and Fulham originally signed Knockaert on this type of deal last summer.

Whether they will be open to it now remains to be seen, but if they can secure their money back on the 28-year-old in another year, it might be one they look to take.

For Forest, it eases any FFP pressure on them and pushes payment onto another year.

It might well tick a lot of boxes for all parties, but there’s a race against time to get it done.

Thoughts? Let us know!