Nottingham Forest have been casting their eyes over attacking-midfielder Philip Zinckernagel this summer, as first reported by Football Insider.

The former Danish youth international joined The Hornets in early January of this year, going on to make 20 appearances and scoring once.

Zinckernagel proved to be a creative spark at the Hertfordshire club last season, providing five assists during the second half of the Championship campaign.

The attack-minded player signed a five-and-a-half-year contract at Vicarage Road in January, meaning any move for the 26-year-old is likely to be a costly one.

However, it seems that Zinckernagel has his eyes firmly set on the Premier League. Speaking to Watford's club website, the Dane said: “We’ve had double sessions almost every day. I think we've been training really hard. Two weeks now until the Premier League is a relief, you can look forward and start thinking about the Premier League and playing real games again.” 

“With the supporters in the stands there’s a big, big difference,” said the 26-year-old. “To have them there even for friendly matches is so much better, and you start feeling this. Soon we’ll be playing for points again in the Premier League. I’m looking forward to it.”

The verdict

Zinckernagel proved to be a real creative spark for Watford last season, but he became less influential as the season concluded.

He certainly has the ability to step up to the Premier League and it seems that the end of the season came at the right time for him.

If Forest were to land Zinckernagel, it would be an excellent addition to a side who struggled for goals and creating chances last time out.

However, he seems focused on cutting it at the top tier of English football this summer. If he does not get sufficient game time in the first half of the season, then you would expect Forest to reignite their interest in January.