Lee Hendrie has tipped Joe Worrall to leave Nottingham Forest this summer.

The central defender has been one of the best in the Championship over recent years but with Forest struggling to mount a promotion push there's a feeling that he could soon be on the way out of the City Ground.

Reports from The Sun have claimed that West Ham are weighing up a move for the 24-year-old, offering him the opportunity to challenge himself at Premier League level.

Forest supporters will be praying that Worrall stays put ahead of the new season, but according to Lee Hendrie, he believes that it's only a matter of time before he secures a move to a bigger club.

Asked if Worrall could move on this summer, as per The Transfer Tavern, Hendrie said: “Yeah, he’s a player that’s had a really good season and Nottingham Forest haven’t been anywhere near what they can be.

“If you’re standing out and performing in a side that’s not been doing particularly well, you know, you’re going to form that bit of attraction.

“I think he’s been a standout player in the Championship this season.“

The verdict

Nottingham Forest may be powerless to resist any offers for Joe Worrall.

The defender is one of the best defenders outside of the Championship's top six and there's no doubt that he deserves the chance to play in the Premier League, or least to challenge for promotion to it.

A deal won't be cheap to do, however, and so any interested clubs will need to stump up.