Southampton full-back Sam McQueen could be ideal alternative for Nottingham Forest

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Nottingham Forest are in the market for a new left-back this summer so what chance the Southampton youngster?

Nottingham Forest are seemingly keen on signing a new left-back this summer as Hull City’s Max Clark has been sounded out for a free transfer to the City Ground.

The 22-year-old’s contract at Hull is set to expire this summer, and reports in the Hull Daily Mail last month claimed Forest were among the front-runners looking to take advantage and bring him in.

The Reds are in desperate need of bolstering their squad this summer after finishing in a lowly mid-table position in the Championship, and boss Aitor Karanka will know that the left-back spot is a priority area.

Clark would be an excellent addition, but Hull recently posted on their official Twitter account that the fullback has been offered a new contract at the KCOM Stadium; therefore Karanka’s side may need to look elsewhere.

Premier League side Southampton have a surplus of decent full-backs and as such academy product Sam McQueen could be allowed to move on this summer – an ideal alternative for Forest.

The 23-year-old has recently been linked with a move to Bristol City as Joe Bryan attracts top-flight interest (the Mirror), yet Forest are arguably a better proposition with Karanka intent on challenging for promotion next term.

The Tricky Trees need to strengthen their squad but, under Greek owner Evangelos Marinakis and Spanish boss Karanka, they have both the financial backing and a first-team coach with promotion experience.

McQueen, despite having a contract with the Saints until 2021, is predominantly a back-up for Ryan Bertrand and his lack of first-team opportunities could prompt the player to look elsewhere.

Forest are one of the biggest clubs in the second tier and they are starting to put the pieces in place for a promotion bid, meaning they are once again beginning to look like an attractive option for potential recruits.

McQueen should be within their transfer budget and partnering him with the talented Ben Osborn down the left flank could give the East Midlands side one of the most exciting duos outside the Premier League.