Nottingham Forest have been linked with Grant Leadbitter.
According to a report in the Northern Echo, Nottingham Forest are looking at potentially signing Grant Leadbitter this summer as the midfielder is deemed surplus to requirements at Middlesbrough.
Leadbitter worked with Karanka during the Spanish boss’s stint on Riverside, and he was a pivotal figure alongside Adam Clayton as Boro reached the Premier League two seasons ago.
The 32-year-old is seen as a steely midfielder boasting plenty of experience, so you can understand why clubs would be keen to sign him as he is without doubt a good influence around younger players.
But Forest’s reported interest in the midfielder is quite bizarre, as Karanka went out and signed two very similar players in Ben Watson and Adlene Guedioura during the January transfer window.
Watson, 32, and Algeria international Guedioura, also 32, are both experienced holding midfielders and they featured in several Championship games towards the end of last season.
Former Wigan Athletic ace Watson made 14 starts while Guedioura appeared in 11 games, although neither particularly impress when called upon, prompting questions over their future.
The latest rumours linking Leadbitter to the City Ground may suggest that Karanka has not been too impressed with the January additions, as surely the Boro man is being targeted as a likely first-teamer.
Forest need to add mobility to their midfield and greater creativity through the middle, therefore there is only a need for one experienced pro, yet a potential Leadbitter arrival could see them overloaded with three.
Watson and Guedioura both have a contract with the East Midlands club until 2020, meaning shifting them on now would prove difficult especially coming off the back of their form over the past six months.
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