Everton’s Conor McAleny is a long-term target for the Nottingham Forest manager.
Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton
New Nottingham Forest boss Mark Warburton is fond of a former player… or several.
Already in his City Ground career, Warburton has been linked with moves for James Tavernier and Martyn Waghorn – the Rangers pair he signed in 2015 – while Harry Forrester, Rob Kiernan and Lee Hodson had all worked with the 54-year-old before joining him at Ibrox.
It would be some surprise, therefore, if Warburton fails to bring at least one player to Forest this summer with whom he’s not already familiar.
One who could be on the Forest boss’ radar is Everton’s Conor McAleny. The forward is currently impressing on loan to Oxford United, where he has scored eight goals in 13 outings, including two hat-tricks.
But with his contract up this summer and birthday number 25 little over four months away, McAleny’s hopes of breaking into Everton’s plans are fading.
Once highly-regarded by his boyhood club, McAleny’s progress has been severely hindered by injuries – one of which was suffered just a month into his Brentford career.
Back then – in August 2013 – Warburton was working as the Bees’ sporting director and, having been promoted to first team manager in the meantime, twice tried to re-sign the Liverpudlian upon his return to full fitness the following year [Get West London].
Instead, McAleny opted to remain at Everton – a choice he may not have this time around.
And a reunion at Nottingham Forest could suit all parties.
Everton’s Conor McAleny
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
