‘Excellent’: Nottingham Forest now want ace who already has a ‘good relationship’ with Cooper

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According to The Athletic, Nottingham Forest are once again keen to bring James Garner back to the City Ground, this time on a permanent deal.

Garner, of course, has had two previous spells at Forest, spending two successful periods on loan with the Tricky Trees.

It stands to reason that Garner may want to return to the club where he’s had so much success recently, and his relationship with Steve Cooper may well play a part in any potential deal.

Indeed, Cooper and Garner have a fantastic relationship from their time working together at Forest and in the England youth set-up.

What’s been said?

Cooper has previously praised Garner, branding him as ‘excellent.’

“For me, in the last three games he’s been excellent,” Cooper said last December.

“Against Reading, he came on and was really, really good. He started against Luton and West Brom, and his performances were of a high level.

“Second half on Saturday he carried that on, so he’s in a good moment. But he’s got to stay really focused and aim to play even better next week.”

That wasn’t the only time Cooper praised Garner either, the Nottingham Forest gaffer had similar to say after a win against Peterborough, this time delving into his relationship with the player.

“At this moment in time he’s doing really, really well,” said Cooper.

“He’s been a little bit in and out of the team, and we’ve had some good, honest conversations.

“I have a good relationship with Jim and his family anyway, because of our time together with England.”

There for the taking

Nottingham Forest face competition from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur for Garner’s signature, but we have to imagine that the Manchester United man is there for the taking if they want him.

He’s already settled at the City Ground on two previous occasions, he suits Forest’s style of play, and he’s more than affordable.

Of course, whether or not this move comes to fruition remains to be seen. After all, Forest are also keen on Houssem Aouar who plays a similar role, but given Garner’s age and suitedness to this Forest team, there’s reason to believe this could be a better signing than Aouar.