Nottingham Forest are unlikely to sign Newcastle United midfielder Matty Longstaff on loan before the end of the transfer window, according to Nottinghamshire Live.
The 21-year-old is available on a temporary deal after making just five Premier League appearances for Steve Bruce's side last season, a disappointing total considering his breakthrough at St James' Park during the 2019/20 campaign. And he even dropped back down to the Magpies' Under-23s at various points in the last 12 months to get more game time under his belt.
With this, fellow Premier League side Norwich City, Forest's league rivals West Bromwich Albion and Belgian club Anderlecht were all reported to be interested in his signature back in June.
However, a move is yet to materialise and the Northern Echo are now reporting Sheffield United and Chris Hughton's men are leading Blackburn Rovers and Huddersfield Town in the race for Longstaff's services.
Although the latter two are both said to have enquired about a potential loan deal, the Blades and Forest are the sides who have made 'concrete offers'.
This move to bring him to the City Ground would make sense with former loanee James Garner returning to Manchester United earlier in the summer, but Nottinghamshire Live believe the 21-year-old is unlikely to arrive in the East Midlands.
They remain keen on bringing Garner back from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side though, according to the same outlet, although his rejection of fresh terms at Old Trafford has left his future looking uncertain.
The Verdict:
Although a left-back and a forward could be higher up on the Championship side's transfer priorities this summer, some fans have been critical of the Jack Colback and Ryan Yates partnership in the heart of midfield and this could persuade Chris Hughton to actively pursue a deal for Garner.
Longstaff would have also been a good young option to have in the middle of the park so he should be on the East Midlands outfit's shortlist, especially with Newcastle eager to see him impress out on loan and potentially willing to negotiate a cheap loan deal for him because of that.
Getting value for money will be important considering the number of areas they need to strengthen before the transfer window closes - but you wouldn't blame them for wanting to stick with what they know and re-sign Manchester United man Garner.
He became a key part of their midfield during the second half of last season and alongside the likes of Colback, Yates and Cafu, his arrival would go a long way in bolstering this position.
From there, it will then be about addressing the problematic left-back area after seeing Yuri Ribeiro and Tyler Blackett both leave the club in the last few months and recruiting the attacking firepower needed to improve on their 37 goals in 46 league games last term.
Brennan Johnson's return will help, but they need more reinforcements.