Nottingham Forest have made an impressive start to their league campaign this season and many Reds fans will be dreaming of a return to the top-flight. 

Forest are currently just a point outside of the play-offs and they will head into the international break full of confidence, after extending their unbeaten run to four games with a goalless draw against Stoke City.

There's no questioning that Forest are starting to justify themselves as serious promotion contenders this season with a new-look squad.

With a number of high profile signings from top European clubs, some players have found first-team opportunities limited this season for Aitor Karanka's side.

One of those players is youngster Ryan Yates who hasn't even made the substitutes bench this season for the promotion chasing Reds in their Championship campaign.

The 20-year-old has been restricted to appearances for the Forest under 23's side this season and the midfielder has been linked with a loan move away from the City Ground, as per the Nottingham Post, when the transfer window reopens in January.

The youngster has had previous loan spells at the likes of Notts County and Scunthorpe United, and he has shown glimpses of his exciting potential which he will be keen to build on this season.

If Yates can get regular game time under his belt then he will be hoping to stake a strong claim for a place in Aitor Karanka's starting XI next season.

The Verdict: 

I must admit that I'm not surprised by the news that Yates is set for a loan move in January, as his development has somewhat stalled this season at Nottingham Forest.

The Reds have made a number of additions to their squad this season as they push for promotion to the Premier League, which is ultimately why the youngster hasn't featured this season.

He has already shown that he perform to a high standard whilst out on loan after impressing at both Scunthorpe and Notts County in recent years and a loan move this season could be the turning point in his career.