Report: Championship rivals planning to sign Nottingham Forest ace in January

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Ryan Yates could leave Nottingham Forest in January with Championship rivals Millwall planning to reignite their interest in the City Ground academy graduate, according to The Sun (18 October, page 61).

Then again, if Chris Hughton’s gushing praise is anything to go by, Yates may have a future in the East Midlands after all.

The new Nottingham Forest boss was left grinning from ear to ear by Yates’ typically tenacious performance in Saturday’s 1-0 victory away at early pace-setters Blackburn Rovers (Nottingham Post).

And while the 6ft 3in scrapper isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, no-one can question the energy and commitment Yates brings to the heart of midfield.

So Millwall might be feeling pessimistic about their chances of signing a long-term transfer target when the window opens once again in nine weeks.

The Sun reported that Gary Rowett’s side tried to land Yates on deadline day but Forest blocked his move to the capital.

And if the 22-year-old can build on Saturday’s performance and cement his place at the heart of Hughton’s team, it’s hard to imagine Nottingham Forest selling a key player to a direct Championship rival midway through the season.

Yates claimed an assist at Ewood Park, although it’s fair to say Joe Lolley did most of the work himself, cutting inside before firing a deflected stoppage-time winner.