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 manager Sabri Lamouchi faces a real battle if he wants to hold onto defender Joe Worrall with Everton just one of a host of clubs queing up for the young man's signature, according to the Goals supplement in The Mirror (November 27, Page 6).

The 22-year-old has established himself as one of the first names on his manager's teamsheet, having also spent last season on a successful loan at Rangers in the SPFL.

So is Worrall good enough to make the grade at Everton?

We discuss........

Ned Holmes

"A lot of Forest fans would've looked at you like you were mad if you'd have told them in the summer that Worrall would be attracting attention from teams like the Toffees in January but so far, he is deserving of their interest.

"The 22-year-old has been fantastic at the heart of the Reds backline and has helped them to concede the second-fewest goals in the Championship, as well as climbing to fourth in the division.

"That being said, the step up to the Premier League is a big one and there is no guarantee that he is ready just yet.

"If Everton are prepared to give him time to settle and get up to speed, I think bringing in Worrall could be a really shrewd move."

Chris Thorpe

"Everton's defensive struggles this term have been well documented and I believe that Worrall could go some way towards solving this issue if the club did indeed pursue a deal for the young centre back.

"Worrall is adept at playing in the role of a ball playing centre back and as a 'stopper', thus meaning that he is capable of adapting to the different styles of play that he would likely face in the Premier League.

"Forest will be keen to hold onto their man, with Worrall having performed well in the heart of defence alongside Michael Dawson, the youngster is pivotal to their promotion ambitions.

"It remains to be seen if Everton will act on their interest, but I'm sure that Forest will already be actively preparing for all eventualities, with the defender likely to leave in the coming years."

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Ben Lang

"It is clear to see why Worrall would be attracting Premier League interest given the start to the season he's made, where he has established himself as a key player for Forest.

"Worrall has really revived his Forest career since returning from his loan spell at Rangers, but it might be slightly too early for a move away to be considered given he has only just re-established himself in the Forest side.

"It's also hard to imagine that Worrall would want to leave his boyhood club Forest when they are challenging for promotion, while Everton are having a poor season in the Premier League.

"This is a signing that could come to fruition eventually, but I'm not sure it's the right time for either party currently. Everton may need to make more experienced and Premier League-proven signings in order to change their fortunes, while Worrall will want to help his side's promotion push."