Oxford United manager Karl Robinson wants Josh Ruffels to come to a decision on his future as Championship giants Nottingham Forest look to snap up the free agent left-back, as reported by the Oxford Mail.
With Forest desperate to avoid a repeat of their dreadful 2020/21 season, a club whose recruitment record can best be described as ‘mixed’ appear to have formulated a new plan with the transfer window about to open.
The East Midlands giants have been linked with a number of exciting lower-league talents, with Ruffels joining fellow third-tier stars Dion Charles, Luke Jephcott and Charlie Wyke on their radar (Athletic).
It seems Forest are looking closer to home for affordable additions to Chris Hughton’s squad.
Could Ruffels replace Ribeiro at Nottingham Forest?
Ruffels, an attack-minded, 27-year-old left-back, has been identified as a possible replacement for the similarly out of contract Yuri Ribeiro at the City Ground.
The Oxford-born flyer is set to depart next month and, although he has been offered a contract extension, U’s manager Karl Robinson is none the wiser whether he will have Ruffels at his disposal come September.
“That’s the one thing we have asked,” said the former Charlton and MK Dons boss when asked if he wants an answer about Ruffels’ future.
“From our point of view, we know where we’re at. We know what’s going on and we’ll be speaking over the weekend.
“We requested a resolution and Josh, deep down, is an Oxford fan. We’ve had some good conversations – but we also respect the situation.”
An Oxford supporter he may be but, after the U’s lost to Blackpool in the League One play-offs, will Ruffels be able to turn down the chance to play Championship football with former European champions Nottingham Forest?
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