With Hull City’s negotiations with Max Clark faltering, Nottingham Forest should ambush the deal and secure the left-back themselves.

The Nottingham Post has reported that the deal reached an impasse with neither side willing to budge. This creates the perfect conditions for Aitor Karanka to swoop in and sign him first.

Clark has been at the club for 12 years, but last season saw him play for his boyhood club’s first team for the first time.

He established himself as an assured performer, but managerial faith in him swung repeatedly over the season.

He managed 27 appearances, but was regularly dropped for several games in a row.

Consequently, he feels that the time has come to move on if the club are not prepared to show more faith in him.

From Nottingham Forest’s perspective, he provides a more balanced figure than their current crop.

His 2.8 tackles per game is higher than any Forest player who played at left-back last season, while his 1.3 interceptions, 4 clearances, and 1.3 dribbles per game all compare favourably.

Signing Clark would also free up Daniel Fox and Ben Osborn. Both were repeatedly called to fill in at left-back, despite being more comfortable in other positions.

Left-back proved a troublesome position for Forest last season, with no player making it their own.

Clark could do so. He will not be available on a free transfer as he is under 24, but he will be available at a discounted rate. Karanka should take advantage of this and sign him up.