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 may end up disappointed in their pursuit of Dundee United striker Lawrence Shankland after Tangerines head coach Robbie Neilson claimed the club will not consider any bids for Shankland in January, as confirmed on BBC Sport.

Nottingham Forest are the latest to be linked with the Scotland striker, who has scored 19 times for the Scottish Championship leaders this season.

So if Shankland is not an option, who would be a good option for Forest to consider?

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

Jacob Potter

"He seems to be one of the most in-demand strikers around at the moment!

"Even though Dundee United have said they aren't prepared to entertain any offers for the striker, I think Nottingham Forest could be tempted to test them with a bid ahead of the January transfer window.

"But in terms of alternatives, they could turn to someone like Dwight Gayle, who has already shown that he can score goals at this level.

"He scored 23 goals in total for West Brom last season, but hasn't been getting much game time back with Newcastle this season.

"If you're looking for a striker to fire you into the top-six in the Championship, then you don't get much better than Dwight Gayle.

"He's exactly what Forest need for the remainder of this year's campaign, as he'll get the best out of Lewis Grabban as well."

Jordan Rushworth

“Nottingham Forest are certainly in need of boosting their options up front, with the Reds heavily reliant on Lewis Grabban to lead the line so fat this campaign, but it does seem like Lamouchi’s side could miss out the signing of Shankland in the January window.

“Shankland would have been an ideal signing for Nottingham Forest, with the striker in prolific form so far this season for Dundee United having scored 17 goals already, but there are some alternatives that Forest could consider as other options up front in January.

“One possible alternative could be Peterborough United striker Ivan Toney, who has been almost equally prolific in front of goal, having registered 12 goals in 17 League One matches so far this season meaning he would arrive at the City Ground full of confidence.

“Toney has also formed a very effective partnership with Mo Eisa up front so far this campaign, which suggests that he could be able to play up front alongside Grabban, and that would allow Lamouchi to perhaps alter his system in certain games to give Forest some more firepower.”

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Toby Wilding

"This is an interesting one, and there can be no doubting that Forest do need someone to provide support for Lewis Grabban upfront.

"Dwight Gayle has been mentioned as an option for Forest, and his record at this level means that would surely be a brilliant signing for them if they can pull it off.

"If they can't, then I think another who would be well worth considering is Lyle Taylor. The Charlton man has already shown prior to his injury that he can provide goals in the Championship, and the fact he is out of contract at The Valley at the end of the season means Forest could be able to get this one done cheaply.

"Indeed, with the ambitions of a return to the Premier League that Forest currently hold, and their promising start to the current campaign, you imagine a move to The City Ground is one that could well be tempting for Taylor."