Nottingham Forest have seen a third bid for Derby County left-back Lee Buchanan rejected, according to journalist Alan Nixon – who has offered the Reds some hope in their pursuit.

The City Ground outfit are looking to sign a new left-back before the end of the window with player departures leaving Gaetan Bong, who is currently suspended, as the only player at the position in the squad.

Buchanan emerged as a target earlier in the summer but it seems Forest's East Midlands rivals are continuing to stand strong when it comes to the 20-year-old.

Nixon has reported that the Reds have seen a third improved bid, which included add-ons, rejected for the defender.

According to The Sun, via Nottinghamshire Live, the most recent offer is £1.35 million with clauses that take the total price up to £2 million.

It appears that doesn't meet Derby's valuation of their academy product despite the fact he's entered the final year of his current contract.

However, Nixon has offered Forest some hope by suggesting that the Rams' rejection is their decision "just now" and that the window is "far from shut".

Last season was the most significant of Buchanan's Pride Park career, seeing him make 37 appearances in all competitions, but injuries have kept him out of action so far in 2021/22.

The Verdict

Despite Derby's rejection of their latest bid for Buchanan, Nixon's latest update has certainly offered them some hope that a deal can be done this summer.

Left-back is a position of real need for the Reds and the 20-year-old would seem to fit the bill perfectly as a player that's ready to contribute now but that should be first choice for years to come and only improve moving forward.

The Rams won't want to lose the defender, particularly given their threadbare squad at the moment, but given their recent financial issues, they may find a later offer impossible to refuse.

For the time being it seems they're standing firm but Nixon has hinted that stance might change as we move toward the end of the window.

It's a situation to keep an eye on as August wears on.