Three former Nottingham Forest youngsters Karanka should bring back in January

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Championship promotion hopefuls Nottingham Forest have let a number of talented youngsters leave the City Ground, including a Sheffield United ace.

Nottingham Forest appear to be in with a genuine shot at promotion this season in the 20th anniversary since they were relegated from the Premier League.

But there is still work to be done for Aitor Karanka and co. The January transfer window could be make-or-break for Forest’s top flight hopes, and bringing back these three former academy graduates would no doubt push the former European champions in the right direction.

Oliver Burke

Since the start of 2016, Burke has cost £28 million in transfer fees but, at the same time, his reputation has plummeted. These days, the 21-year-old can’t even get a game at West Brom.

Now, Baggies boss Darren Moore is apparently willing to loan the £15 million record signing (Mail) Burke out in January, according to The Express and Star, and if Forest want to bring him back to the City Ground now is their golden chance.

At his best, the Scotland international is a jet-heeled attacker capable of giving full backs nightmares so the prospect of him lining up in the same XI as Joe Lolley should get fans salivating.

Karl Darlow

If you ask Forest fans for their opinions on Costel Pantilimon, the giant goalkeeper is either a more than respectable shot-stopper or a man who makes too many mistakes for a side with such lofty ambitions.

With this in mind, bringing back Darlow should be under consideration with the 28-year-old stuck behind Martin Dubravka in Newcastle United’s plans.

Darlow made 106 league appearances for Forest before leaving for St James’ Park in 2015 and his return would no doubt aid Aitor Karanka’s promotion bid. According to the Sun, two of Forest’s promotion rivals, Leeds United and Aston Villa, are both circling already.

Kieron Freeman

With Angel Rangel inking a new contract at QPR, Forest will be forced to look elsewhere as Karanka seemingly scours the market for a new right-back. But how about Kieron Freeman?

The 26-year-old made just two league appearances for the former European Cup winners before catching the eye with a shock move to Derby County in 2012. These days, Freeman is thriving at Sheffield United and already has four assists to his name this season.

And, with Saidy Janko and Sam Byram only on loan from Porto and West Ham respectively, there is room for a permanent right-back in Forest’s squad.