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Leeds can still beat Nottingham Forest to Championship star Adam Clayton

Adam Clayton of Middlesbrough is put under pressure from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton during the Premier League match between Middlesbrough...
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Leeds United should not give up on interest in Adam Clayton despite Nottingham Forest’s desire to sign the Middlesbrough ace.

Adam Clayton of Middlesbrough holds off Cesc Fabregas of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge on May 8, 2017 in London, England.

Nottingham Forest have become the new front runners to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Adam Clayton, after Aitor Karanka’s appointment at the City Ground.

The Nottingham Post report Karanka is keen on reuniting with Clayton, who has been out of favour at Boro ever since being dropped by former boss Garry Monk two months ago.

Clayton has also been tipped to sign with Leeds, with the Yorkshire Post reporting the Whites are keen on the midfielder.

Aitor Karanka, manager of Middlesbrough takes his seat before the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Middlesbrough at White Hart Lane on February 4, 2017 in London, England.

Karanka’s appointment at Forest gives them an advantage, but Leeds also have a direct link to Middlesbrough through technical director Victor Orta.

And then there are Clayton’s Leeds links. He played for the club between 2010 and 2012, and still lives in the area.

Clayton could sign for Leeds and not have to uproot, whereas a switch to Nottingham Forest would be less convenient.

Adam Clayton of Middlesbrough is put under pressure from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton during the Premier League match between Middlesbrough and Southampton at Riverside Stadium on...

From a sporting perspective, both sleeping giants have reasons to be optimistic, but Leeds are the only one with a chance to win promotion this season, sitting in sixth, 12 points ahead of Forest in 13th.

Karanka’s Forest have a chance to persuade Clayton to join up, and partner ex-Whites midfielder Liam Bridcutt in midfield, but Leeds should not simply walk away from the bidding, as the Boro man can be the experienced head they need in the centre which they thought they were getting when they signed Mateusz Klich.