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...
Premier League side Nottingham Forest are monitoring Middlesbrough midfielder Marcus Tavernier ahead of a potential approach, Football League World understands.
The 23-year-old was a regular for Boro during the 2021/22 campaign, recording five goals and five assists as a considerable threat going forward for Chris Wilder's side.
With this, he has done enough to attract interest from the top flight, with Forest, Bournemouth, Everton and Leicester City all believed to be keeping tabs on his situation at this stage.
However, he won't go for cheap with his contract on Teesside not expiring for another two years, with Boro set to demand at least £10m for his services after seeing him thrive alongside Jonny Howson and Matt Crooks.
With Steve Cooper's side already in talks for Huddersfield Town star Lewis O'Brien, Tavernier could be a different midfield option, but would he be a good addition at the City Ground? And is he needed?
We asked three of our writers at FLW to give their opinions on this subject.
Josh Cole
Providing that Forest are able to negotiate a reasonable price with Middlesbrough for Tavernier, this could turn out to be a good bit of business by the club.
During the previous campaign, the midfielder managed to provide a respectable total of 10 direct goal contributions in the Championship as Boro narrowly missed out on a place in the play-offs.
Despite the fact that it will take Tavernier some time to adapt to life in the Premier League due to the fact that he has never played at this level before, he certainly possesses the talent that is required to compete in this division.
By learning from the guidance of Steve Cooper, the 23-year-old could potentially take his game to new heights next season.
Carla Devine
Tavernier has had a good few years with Middlesbrough but last season stepped up to the next level and showed his importance in the side as he made 44 league appearances and bagged five goals too.
The 23-year-old proved to be one of the most consistent members of Boro’s side so it comes as no surprise that he’s attracting interest from the top flight and given his young age, this could be a great signing for Forest.
Admittedly he hasn’t had a go in the Premier League yet and there’s always uncertainty about how a player will adapt to the league.
However, we have seen his progression at a good rate in the Championship over the last few seasons so it may be the right time for him to step up.
The midfielder is a hard worker and proves to be a reliable member of the squad and it’s hard to see that he wouldn’t be a good addition to Steve Cooper’s side for next season.
Charlie Gregory
Tavernier could be a really shrewd signing for Nottingham Forest if they pull it off.
The 23-year-old has proven he can be one of the best players in the Championship and can certainly be one of the best midfielders in that division too. If Forest are prepared to give him the chance, then he could thrive again a league higher.
Age is on his side and considering his experience so far, he looks like he could be excellent again even higher up. For Boro, he has proven to be key and they won’t want to lose him.
Forest though are an attractive move for Tavernier and he would instantly boost their squad and their bid to stay in the Premier League.