Nottingham Forest are reportedly ahead of Leeds in the race to sign Celtic striker Anthony Stokes.
According to Goal, Nottingham Forest have now moved ahead of Leeds United in the race to sign Celtic forward Anthony Stokes this summer.
Forest saw their late charge for the play-offs fall apart, with star striker and top goalscorer Britt Assombalonga ruled out until next season with a knee injury.
Arsenal forward Chuba Akpom and Swnasea winger Modou Barrow both arrived at the City Ground on loan, but manager Dougie Freedman is now expected to land a striker on a full-time basis this summer.
Goal report that Freedman has set his sights on signing Celtic ace Stokes, and Forest are now leading the race for his signature.
The Irish international, formerly of Arsenal and Sunderland, has largely played out on the left hand side under Ronny Deila, and has largely endured a disappointing season – which has also involved him being fined by manager Deila for returning late from Ireland in February.
There is a strong chance that Stokes does leave Celtic this summer, and with his contract set to expire in just over a year’s time, Forest are hoping to steal a march on their rivals by bringing him to the City Ground.
Leeds United are also interested according to Goal, as well as Bolton – managed by ex-Celtic boss Neil Lennon – and Cardiff City, but Stokes is believed to be a main target for Freedman this summer, and he will pull out all the stops to bring him to the club – if the club’s transfer embargo over Financial Fair Play is lifted by the Football League at the end of the season.
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