Blackpool and Portsmouth are interested in signing Nottingham Forest defender Jordan Gabriel, according to the Mirror's live transfer blog (06/06, 13:07pm).

Gabriel spent this season on loan at Blackpool, helping the Tangerines reach the Championship after winning promotion via the League One play-offs.

Neil Critchley's side finished third in League One, with Gabriel making 27 league appearances and starting on 18 occasions, battling it out with Ollie Turton for a place in the side.

Turton has since moved on from Bloomfield Road, though, joining Huddersfield Town upon the expiry of his contract at Blackpool.

The Tangerines are reportedly interested in signing Gabriel on a permanent basis, and there is also said to be interest from League One side Portsmouth too.

But Chris Hughton is set to give Gabriel to impress in pre-season, though, before making any decisions regarding his future at the City Ground.

Forest are in need of a new right-back following Cyrus Christie's return to parent club Fulham, which could see Gabriel become a ready-made replacement in 2021/22.

The Verdict

It has been a rewarding year for Gabriel.

He perhaps hasn't started as many games as he would have liked, but he showed glimpses of his ability and was an impressive figure.

With the likes of Brennan Johnson and Tyrese Fornah returning to the City Ground, it promises to be an exciting season for the Reds and fans will be desperate to see those young players in action, and follow in the footsteps of the likes of Matty Cash and Joe Worrall.