Aitor Karanka is reportedly set to wield the axe on two Forest stars in January.
Aitor Karanka is reportedly set to offload two of his Nottingham Forest midfielders in the January transfer window – and Jack Ross has to take advantage at Sunderland.
The Nottingham Post claim experienced midfielder Ben Watson, who is most famous for winning the FA Cup with Wigan Athletic in 2013 after he scored an injury-time winner against Manchester City, is available to leave.
The 33-year-old is way down the pecking order at the City Ground, managing only six Championship starts all season for Forest. Now, he is expected to leave the club in January.
The likes of Adlene Guedioura, Jack Colback and Claudio Yacob sit above Watson in the pecking order, with Liam Bridcutt also placed on the transfer list after failing to make an impact at the City Ground since his move from Leeds United.
The former Crystal Palace and Watford midfielder boasts huge experience in the Football League, clocking up 227 appearances in the Championship throughout his career.
Sunderland could do with a bit of experience in midfield, with Lee Cattermole the only player over the age of 25 in the middle of the park. Max Power, Lynden Gooch, Luke O’Nien and George Honeyman are all in the early stages of their careers.
The Black Cats currently sit in second in League One after five consecutive league wins, sitting behind leaders Portsmouth by only three points with a game in hand. If they win that game, they will go top due to having a superior goal difference.
Landing a player like Watson will only keep those promotion cogs turning, as Ross looks to provide an instant impact after joining the club from St. Mirren by guiding Sunderland back into the Championship.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
