West Bromwich Albion's sporting director Luke Dowling has suggested that Nottingham Forest midfielder Ben Watson will be one of the best free agents in the Championship if the Reds don't offer him a new deal.

The 34-year-old has been integral to the success of Sabri Lamouchi's side this term, starting every Championship game as they've climbed up into the top six.

Watson has done a fantastic job of controlling the game from central midfield for Forest – breaking up opposition attacks and dictating play.

The midfielder's current Forest deal is set to expire this summer and at this point, it remains unclear if he will be offered a new deal.

Dowling has signed Watson on a free transfer twice in previous roles, bringing him to Wigan in 2009 and to Watford in 2015.

Speaking to The Athletic, the West Brom sporting director suggested that the 34-year-old would be a hugely attractive option if Forest don't offer him a new deal.

He said: "Ben is intelligent, he uses the ball well, he picks up good positions defensively.

"Ben would have been one of the best potential free transfer signings in the Championship this summer, even before this situation. Now he definitely will be, if he is not tied down to a new deal.”

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The Verdict

Watson has been fantastic for Forest this term, so the Reds will surely be looking to offer him a new deal this summer.

It's hard to disagree with Dowling here though, if the midfielder does become a free agent he will be a hugely attractive option for many Championship sides, despite his age.

It will be interesting to see how this one plays out but you'd imagine he will remain a Forest player.

Dowling seems to rate Watson highly but it's difficult to see West Brom moving for him, given the options they have in central midfield.