Joe Worrall has been linked with a City Ground exit and Premier League trio Burnley, Brighton and Crystal Palace want the Nottingham Forest defender.
It is surely no coincidence that Joe Worrall has looked like an entirely different player since Nottingham Forest sacked Mark Warburton on the last day of 2017.
A new year, a new Worrall. Without Warburton demanding that Forest play from the back and put themselves under pressure as soon as the ball enters the pitch, the 20-year-old has been allowed to focus on what he’s good at; defending.
Worrall was impressive as Forest held Leeds to a goalless draw at Elland Road on New Years’ Day and formed a superb partnership with the often derided Michael Mancienne as Gary Brazil’s side stunned Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Saturday – before he was sent off with seconds remaining, that is.
So a Forest fan base that had been vocal in their criticism towards the centre-back at times this season are suddenly demanding that he stays at the City Ground.
According to The Sun, Forest were willing to listen to offers of around £12 million while Burnley, Brighton and Crystal Palace have been linked. Palace, in particular, are crying out for defensive reinforcements with Scott Dann ruled out for the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury.
But after seeing fellow academy graduates Patrick Bamford, Jamaal Lascelles, Karl Darlow and Oliver Burke sold in recent years, Forest fans understandably want to see Worrall stick around.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
