Nottingham Forest’s squad is shaping up nicely ahead of the 2017/18 campaign, with Mark Warburton putting the £15m raised from Britt Assombalonga’s sale into strengthening numerous areas of his squad.

Warburton is still keen to add to his squad between now and the end of summer, with Forest looking to sign Fulham’s Kevin McDonald.

Fulham are reluctant to lose the influential central midfielder, and here at FLW we think he should look elsewhere in the Sky Bet Championship, by trying to lure Conor Hourihane away from Aston Villa.

After a successful start to the 2016/17 season saw Hourihane score six goals and add 11 assists for Barnsley, Villa moved to secure his service during the Janaury transfer window.

Hourihane then added a further goal to his tally, featuring regularly for Steve Bruce’s side during the second-half of the season.

The Irishman has three-years remaining on his contract at Villa Park, and is likely to be in Villa’s plans heading into next season.

However, Villa are battling against Financial Fair Play punishment and a substantial offer could see Bruce’s side cave in and sell Hourihane, particularly with the depth they currently have in central midfield.

Hourihane’s place in Villa’s starting XI is far from guaranteed, with Henri Lansbury, Mile Jedinak and Glenn Whelan all options Bruce could turn to.

Forest seem keen to add a central midfielder to their squad, and there are few around as good as Hourihane in the Championship, which is why we believe he would be a good option.

Warburton should look to take advantage of Villa’s FFP struggles with a tempting offer for the midfielder, who would make a big impression at the City Ground.