Reports linking Nottingham Forest with a move for Josh Laurent have come as no surprise to Reading manager Veljko Paunovic, speaking to Berkshire Live.
Despite finishing two places outside the top six last season, you’d get long odds on Reading threatening the play-offs again this time around.
A transfer embargo means the Royals have failed to sign a single player all summer.
Not only that, Michael Olise, Omar Richards and Yakou Meite – the striker who ruptured his cruciate ligament in June – are unlikely to be replaced with their league opener against Stoke City just days away.
Things could get even worse before they get better, too.
Swashbuckling central midfielder Laurent has just one year left on his contract and, according to The Athletic, Nottingham Forest have made a seven-figure bid for a man who cash-strapped Reading may be forced to sell to ease their financial headaches.
Will Reading feel forced to sell Josh Laurent to Nottingham Forest?
“I’m not surprised about the Laurent to Forest speculation,” said Paunovic, whose side finished eighth last term despite starting the campaign like a rocket with 22 points out of a potential 24.
“(Transfer rumours are) part of football. He is our player and in training he is fantastic.
“Everything can happen but he is 100 per cent committed and we are so happy to have him with us.”
Laurent, who formed a superb partnership with Andy Rinomhota in the Reading engine room last season, isn’t the only member of Paunovic’s squad who could swap the Madejski for the Midlands.
Tom Holmes will also become a free agent next summer as things stand and it’s understood Nottingham Forest have also made an enquiry about the talented centre-half, who can also fill in at right-back.
It has been a frustrating summer for Forest, too. Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath is the only new face. while striker Sandro Kulenovic has turned down a move to the City Ground.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
