Nottingham Forest have agreed a deal that should see them complete the signing of young goalkeeper Nicky Hogarth this summer, according to Football Insider.

It has already been reported by the Daily Record that Forest have had Hogarth on their transfer radar this summer. It was believed that the Reds were close to securing an agreement with the 19-year-old that would see him head to the City Ground and try and compete for a place in their first-team squad under Chris Hughton.

That comes after Hogarth had announced earlier in the summer that he was going to be leaving Rangers at the end of his deal with the club.

The keeper was unable to breakthrough into the first-team in Glasgow but he did manage to get a number of valuable experiences under his belt during loan spells with the likes of Stirling Albion and Cowdenbeath.

According to the latest report from Football Insider, Forest are now close to securing his signature and it is believed they have reached an agreement with Hogarth that should see him announced as a Forest player shortly.

The verdict

This seems like a potentially smart signing by Forest. Hogarth though would have to be seen as a player for the future at the City Ground you would feel rather than someone that would be expected to make an immediate impression for the Reds in the Championship.

Bringing in players like this is exactly what Forest need to do over the next few windows and then they can get the chance to develop them before bringing them into the first-team squad on a regular basis. Hogarth has had experience out on loan so he could even be a part of their squad for the Championship next term if Hughton feels he is ready.

Given he is available on a free transfer, it makes perfect sense for Forest to make a move for Hogarth and it might well prove to be a signing that is a bargain in the next few years depending on how he develops at the City Ground.