Nottingham Forest are barking up the wrong tree in their quest to sign Middlesbrough forward Patrick Bamford.

The 24-year-old was developed in Forest’s youth academy, but a return will cost the Reds a lot more financially than it ever did looking after him originally.

Bamford had an impressive season. A return of 11 goals in 41 appearances is not to be sniffed at. It was a successful return to the Championship after he failed to cut it in the Premier League. His two-season spell in the top flight covered four clubs and returned a solitary goal from 27 appearances. It seems to have found his level.

Yet even in the Championship he has proved inconsistent. He scored just once in his first 26 games of last season. In both legs of Boro’s play-off semi-final defeat to Aston Villa, he did not look threatening when he came off the bench. With a handsome fee looking potentially likely to secure his signature, a higher degree of consistency must be expected.

There are also questions with regards to his attitude. His acrimonious departure from Crystal Palace was two years ago, but problems remain. Bamford clashed with his Sean Dyche at Burnley as well as Aitor Karanka himself when he was in charge of Middlesbrough.

Whether Karanka wishes to re-sign Bamford may depend on his attitude. However, he should save himself and Forest fans a future headache by turning his attention elsewhere. There are better and more financially prudent options available.

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