According to a report in the Mirror, Brighton and Hove Albion and Burnley are interested in signing Joe Worrall from Nottingham Forest this month, as the defender continues to impress in the Sky Bet Championship.

Worrall has made 50 senior appearances for Forest at just the age of 21, and this season, has established himself in the first-team at the City Ground, already featuring on 28 occasions across all competitions for the Reds.

The 21-year-old’s last appearance was in the shock FA Cup victory over Arsenal, where the defender once again impressed for Forest, despite earning himself a late red-card.

Sean Dyche has shown an interest in taking the £10m-rated defender to Burnley, but Brighton have now entered the race, ditching plans to wait until the end of the season, in a bid to beat Burnley to Worrall’s signature.

The Reds are reportedly willing to listen to offers for Worrall, with a view to cashing in on the youngster to bolster their own transfer kitty this month.

Forest are under new management heading into this weekend’s clash with Aston Villa, with Aitor Karanka preparing himself for his first game in-charge of the Reds following his appointment earlier this week.

Karanka will not be able to call on Worrall, who will serve a one-match suspension following his dismissal in the FA Cup victory against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

Forest currently sit 14th in the Championship table, 11 points adrift of the play-off places.

The Verdict

Premier League interest is no surprise, as Worrall has been magnificent so far this season for Forest, proving to be a real shining light at the City Ground.

However, hearing that Forest could cash-in is a surprise, as you would imagine Karanka will want the 21-year-old at the heart of his defence going forwards.

Losing Worrall this month would be a huge blow for the Reds. 

Nottingham Forest fans… Let us know your thoughts!