Mark Warburton is facing a busy summer at Nottingham Forest, as he aims to shape a squad that can challenge for promotion in the Sky Bet Championship next season, just months after the club avoided relegation by the narrowest of margins.

Forest’s defence was a main area of concern last season, which must be addressed by Warburton, but the club also need to strengthen their attacking options to support Britt Assombalonga.

Exeter City’s Ollie Watkins is subject to interest from a host of Championship clubs, including Derby County and Leeds United, after an impressive year in League Two.

Watkins is a player Forest should look to sign this summer, with hope the 21-year old will offer Assombalonga some much-needed assistance in attack.

During the 2016/17 campaign, Watkins scored 16 goals across all competitions, including two exceptional strikes in the play-off semi-final victory over Carlisle United.

Watkins has shown in League Two this season that he has a bright future ahead of him, with the potential to go all the way to the top.

Should Warburton turn to Watkins, the 21-year old could be the ideal man to support Assombalonga, with their styles of play well suited to each other.

Watkins has played the majority of his career as an attacking midfielder, supporting a striker with very little defensive duties, which has seen him excel at lower levels, whilst Assombalonga would benefit from another natural goalscorer alongside him in the Forest team.

The 21-year old seems ready to take the next step in his career, and Forest must look to add him to their armoury ahead of next season.

If Warburton is brave enough to battle Forest’s Championship rivals for Watkins’ signature, his side could reap the benefits next season and find themselves fighting at the right end of the table.