Nottingham Forest defender Jordan Gabriel is a player in demand as the new season draws nearer.

Gabriel is back at Forest having impressed on loan in League One with Blackpool last season, and is hoping to make an impression on Chris Hughton in pre-season.

The 22-year-old has started in each of the Reds’ first three friendlies, but speculation continues to surround the full-back and his future on Trentside...

What do we know so far?

Blackpool are keen to sign Gabriel permanently after he impressed in his 35 appearances for the club last season.

As per Alan Nixon, the Tangerines have made an offer for the full-back, which is understood to be lower than Forest’s valuation at the moment.

Football Insider report that Sunderland have also made an approach for Gabriel, though, with the League One side joining the race for his signature.

Is it likely to happen?

At the moment, it appears unlikely that Forest will let Gabriel leave.

The 22-year-old is currently their first-choice right-back, with Cyrus Christie returning to parent club Fulham at the end of last season.

Carl Jenkinson is also at the club, but it is believed that he is among a quartet of players who have been told that they are free to find new clubs.

Until a new right-back comes in, then, Forest are unlikely to bid farewell to Gabriel, but this stance could well change in a month or so.

Forest’s transfer activity has been particularly slow this summer, and it may take a sale to galvanise them into bringing people in after all.