Nottingham Forest centre-back Yohan Benalouane has sent a message to fans emphatically denying that he will be leaving the club for arch-rivals Derby County this summer.

It is not clear where the rumours came from but the Algerian was quick to put a stop to any chatter on Instagram on Wednesday, insisting he is fully comitted to Forest.

Posting alongside a photograph of himself celebrating his winner against the Rams earlier in the campaign, he said: "Peoples are asking me if I will sign in derby ???, no chance!!!! I am a real Reds !!!!, Reds for ever!!!!, nottingham Forest family i cant wait to be back at the City Ground."

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Benalouane was signed from Leicester City by Martin O'Neill during the January transfer window and went on to become a regular in the Forest squad, turning out 14 times before the end of the campaign and scoring once, becoming a fan-favourite in the process.

Now managed by Sabri Lamouchi, the 32-year-old missed the opening match of the season due to a suspension carried over form the 2018/19 campaign.

The Reds were beaten by West Bromwich Albion at the City Ground, throwing away a one-goal lead to lose 2-1 to Slaven Bilic's men.

The verdict

I think it is safe to say that this post will not harm his status as a Forest fan favourite.

I honestly have no idea where this Derby rumour as come from and do not think it was ever likely to happen, but I am sure Forest fans will thoroughly enjoy hearing straight from the source.

He will surely be a regular this season under Lamouchi. Having that extra bite and passion could be essential in taking the Reds into the top-six.