Nottingham Forest are looking to the Premier League for next season's recruitment and are weighing up a move for Burnley's Dean Marney.

According to the today's printed edition of the Daily Mirror (page 51), they're hoping to sign the 34-year old on a 'Bosman' style free transfer when his contract runs out at Turf Moor.

Former Spurs youngster Marney hasn't played since January 2017 after suffering cruciate ligament damage in Burnley's 2-1 defeat at Arsenal. Prior to that he'd made 221 appearances for the Clarets, scoring ten times after joining from Hull City for £500,000 in 2010.

Marney is an aggressive and tough-tackling midfielder who featured once for England's U21 side, against Netherlands in 2005.

Nottingham Forest can look ahead to next season already, having virtually assured their Championship status, with them 15 points clear of third from bottom Birmingham City.

They're also 16 points adrift of the top six, giving them little to play for other than pride.

Aitor Karanka took over at the City Ground in January, having previously managed in the Premier League with Middlesbrough.

He has first-hand experience of Marney, having managed Boro against Burnley just a couple of weeks prior to Marney's injury.

The Verdict

Whilst Marney is an experienced player, I'd be incredibly concerned about how he can bounce back from that injury. He was arguably at the peak of his game playing for Burnley, but a cruciate ligament injury is incredibly serous and can permanently affect a player's ability.

At 34-years old he's no spring chicken either and if I were Karanka, I'd be investigating players with a little more longevity.

This deal could spell the end for Liam Bridcutt.