Nottingham Forest are willing to listen to offers for Liam Bridcutt and Ben Watson in January , according to Football Insider.

Aitor Karanka spoke to press this week revealing he'd like fewer players in his squad, and that means he is willing to give the green light to moves away from the City Ground for two key players.

Liam Bridcutt has been out of the first team picture for some time, returning only for League Cup games and he's the first one up for a January exit.

The former Leeds man has fallen down the pecking order since the arrival of Jack Colback and Claudio Yacob. He has just one minute of Championship action to his name so far, coming on as a last gasp sub in the 1-0 win against Rotherham in September.

After making 28 outings last season his fall from grace is spectacular and few will be surprised a move away is being allowed.

Ben Watson is the other player thought to be on his way out of Forest, a move that may surprise some. The 33-year old was one of Karanka's first signings when he took over last season, but like Bridcutt he too has fallen down the pecking order.

Watson has 13 appearances to his name this season, but he hasn't featured since starting the 3-2 defeat at Burton Albion in the League Cup. It now appears the former FA Cup winner will also be searching for fresh employers in the new year.

The Verdict

It isn't surprising that Karanka wants to trim his squad, he's got far too many players with Colback, Yacob, Guedioura and Panagiotis Tachtsidis all vying for a start in the holding midfield role.

Watson might feel a little hard done by, but nobody can be surprised at Liam Bridcutt's impending departure.

He'll make a great signing for another Championship side, he's young enough to have significant impact somewhere. At 33, Watson might see this as his final chance slowly ebbing away.

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