Sabri Lamouchi has insisted that he does not want Joe Worrall to leave Nottingham Forest this summer, amid speculation linking the defender with a move to the Premier League.

Worrall became a key player under Lamouchi last season, after returning the club following an impressive loan spell at Rangers under Steven Gerrard.

The 23-year-old featured in every single one of Forest's 46 Championship fixtures last season, and made a total of 48 appearances across all competitions.

Quiz: What club did Nottingham Forest sign each of these 14 players on loan from?

Worrall produced a series of solid performances for the Reds, forming a solid defensive partnership with Tobias Figueiredo and helping Forest fight for a place in the play-offs.

After their failure to finish in the top-six and ultimately gain promotion, though, Worrall has since been linked with a move to Premier League side Burnley.

Speaking to Nottinghamshire Live, Lamouchi insisted that he wants to Worrall to stay at the City Ground, and if it were up to him, there is "no way" that he will be leaving.

He said: "I don’t know. Nobody has come directly to me and asked to move.

"With Joe Worrall, I have been extremely clear - it is a no; no way for me (to let him go). Afterwards, if the club decide differently, that is a different option."

Forest will be hoping to put last season behind them and start next season on a positive note, as they prepare to take on Barnsley in the first round of the Carabao Cup tomorrow.

The Verdict

This will be relieving to hear for Forest fans.

After losing another homegrown star in Matty Cash to Aston Villa this week, the last thing they'll now want to see is Worrall joining him and leaving the club.

He's only going to get better with more game time under his belt, and for a 23-year-old, he is already such a mature player.