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 are reportedly eyeing a move for former Sheffield United full-back Kieron Freeman according to the Daily Mail. 

Freeman is currently a free-agent after his contract with Sheffield United came to an end, and he'll be keen to find a new club at the earliest of opportunities.

It is also claimed that both Huddersfield Town and Swansea City are interested in signing the defender, although it remains to be seen as to which club is leading the race to sign him.

Freeman is a player that the City Ground faithful will remember well, having previously played for the club after breaking through from the club's academy.

He left in favour of a move to rivals Derby County in 2012, before moving to Sheffield United in 2015, where he played his part in their promotion-winning season into the Premier League.

But would Freeman be a good signing for Nottingham Forest ahead of the 2020/21 season?

We discuss....

Alfie Burns: 

He’s going to be needed if Matty Cash moves onto the Premier League like many expect him to.

If Freeman arrives and Cash is still around, though, he’s only going to serve as back-up, but then you question whether he’s needed.

For me, this link suggests that Forest will eventually cave and sell Cash this summer, with Freeman coming into Lamouchi’s squad to replace the 22-year-old.

He’s not at Cash’s level in terms of ability, but he’s got good experience and is a decent enough option to come into this group of players this summer.

If Cash goes, get it done. If Cash stays, focus elsewhere.

Sam Rourke: 

 

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Ned Holmes: 

I really like this from a Forest perspective.

Let's call a spade a spade here, the Reds are surely eyeing up Freeman as a Matty Cash replacement – with Premier League clubs circling their current right-back.

Lamouchi will want a player that can match his contribution at both ends of the pitch and the 28-year-old has shown in the past he can do just that.

If the Frenchman can get Freeman back playing at the level he was in 2016/17 – when he scored 10 goals and added five assists in League One – this could be a masterstroke.

The defender has promotion experience as well, which will be useful for the Reds as they look to bounce back from last season's disappointment.

The fact they could snap him up as a free agent makes it even more enticing in my eyes.

Sam Rourke

On a free transfer it would be a really low risk signing and he could offer some real depth to the Reds' squad.

With it looking like Matty Cash is going to be subject to considerable transfer interest, it's important that Lamouchi and Forest prepare for his potential departure.

However, I have my doubts as to whether Freeman is good enough to be a frequent starter in a promotion chasing Championship side, considering he's hardly featured for Sheffield United over the last few seasons.

Lamouchi would need to put an arm around the 28-year-old and help rejuvenate his form, and if he can, it could prove a shrewd deal.