Nottingham Forest are working on bringing Lee Tomlin back to the City Ground on a permanent basis this summer.  

The Nottingham Post have confirmed that work is already underway, with Forest looking to secure the 29-year-old’s permanent service, following an encouraging loan spell last season.

Aitor Karanka moved to add Tomlin to his squad in January, with the creative midfielder arriving on-loan from Cardiff City, who have since achieved promotion back to the Premier League.

The 29-year-old featured on 15 occasions for the Reds following his January arrival, scoring four goals and registering a further three assists in a hugely impressive spell.

Despite Tomlin’s best efforts, Forest only managed a 17th place finish in the Championship, with Karanka looking to reshape his squad over the course of the summer.

Bringing Tomlin back will cost Forest, though, with Cardiff keen to recoup some of the fee they laid out for the 29-year-old, according to the Nottingham Post.

Tomlin is not the only ex-Forest loanee on Karanka’s radar, with the Spaniard also looking to bring Costel Pantilimon and Jack Colback in on permanent deals.

Goalkeeper Pantilimon has returned to Watford this summer, whilst Colback is back at Newcastle United.

The Verdict  

The trio that Karanka is chasing permanent deals for were impressive at Forest during the second-half of last season.

Karanka looked to lay some foundations during the second-half of the season with his signings, which could prove to be a very successful approach.

Re-signing players who Karanka knows are comfortable at Forest is going to be key if the Reds are to move forward next season.

Nottingham Forest fans… Let us know your thoughts!