Nottingham Forest are close to completing the loan signing of Sheffield United defender Max Lowe, sources have exclusively told Football League World.

The Reds currently have a shortage of options at left-back having bid farewell to the likes of Nicholas Ioannou, Tyler Blackett and Yuri Ribeiro this summer.

Right-back Jordi Osei-Tutu, who arrived on loan from Arsenal, had to fill in there before being sidelined for several weeks due to a hamstring injury.

Football League World recently reported that Lowe was a player on Forest's radar, as Chris Hughton looks to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes.

A first offer was understood to be rebuffed by Sheffield United, but we have now been exclusively told that Forest are closing in on the signing of the 24-year-old on loan.

Lowe joined the Blades from Derby County in a £15million double deal involving Jayden Bogle last summer.

The left-back made only eight appearances in the Premier League and is yet to feature in any competition under Slavisa Jokanovic this term.

Forest face Lowe's former club, Derby County, in a huge East Midlands derby clash this weekend. The Reds have lost their opening four league games of the campaign for only the second time in 67 years.