Luton reject bid for Nottingham Forest target James Justin, whom the Reds value at around £1m.
Luton Town have confirmed that they have rejected a bid for Nottingham Forest target James Justin, amid reports from the Nottingham Post that the Championship side are keen on the right-back.
It is believed that the Reds were prepared to pay £1m for the 18-year-old, who made his debut for the Hatters on the final day of the 2015/16 season in a 4-1 League Two victory against Exeter City.
Mark Warburton manager of Nottingham Forest
“We have indeed received an offer and have duly rejected it. We consulted the board, the player and his agent in the process,” Luton chief executive Gary Sweet told Luton News.
There may have been concern among the Kenilworth Road faithful that their homegrown talent would be allowed to leave for Forest following the signing of fellow right-back Jack Stacey from Reading.
Yet this rejected bid comes after manager Nathan Jones also reiterated that while there was interest in Justin, the Bedfordshire club had no intention of selling him.
“I know for a fact there’s plenty monitoring him, but James Justin is our player, and he’s a wonderful, wonderful player,” Jones said.
“He’s going to be even better, but this is the right place for him.
“It’s good, and he must be flattered. We’re flattered that people are coveting our young players, but they’re here. He’s under contract, and he’s a key member of what we do here.”
Nathan Jones celebrates
Justin became an integral part of Jones’ plans in 2016/17, making 39 appearances in all competitions. While considered a right-back, the teenager also played at left-back, right midfield and in central defence last term.
The youngster is under contract with the Hatters until the summer of 2019, having only extended his current stay in December.
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