Nottingham Forest plot move for Man City star after 'surprise' Morgan Gibbs-White twist
Nottingham Forest are considering a move to sign Manchester City star Tijjani Reijnders this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The 28-year-old has been at Man City for just one season after his move from AC Milan, but could be allowed to move on already as Enzo Maresca weighs up his squad.
Forest are the latest of a number of clubs both in the Premier League and across Europe keeping an eye on the Netherlands international's situation at the Etihad.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, it would be a "surprise" to see Nottingham Forest make a move for Reijnders this summer.
Despite plans to strengthen in midfield following the big-money sale of Elliot Anderson, the Man City man would likely be competing for a place with Morgan Gibbs-White.
Gibbs-White remains a crucial part of Nottingham Forest's plans under the management of Oliver Glasner, leading to questions about where Reijnders would fit in his side.
Could Nottingham Forest make a move for Tijjani Reijnders?
Football Insider revealed last month that Maresca was set to hand Reijnders an opportunity to impress in pre-season as he continues to evaluate his squad.
He has taken that chance well, and impressed during the Citizens' pre-season tour of Asia, but that has done little to deter the growing interest in his situation.
However, whether Nottingham Forest will make a move remains to be seen despite their clear interest, with other midfield options also on their radar.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "It would be a bit of a surprise one, because Reinders is better playing as a more attacking midfielder, and Forest have Gibbs-White there.
"But look, there's always been speculation with regard to Reijnders' long-term future at Man City.
"He arrived from AC Milan last summer and started off well at City, but lost his way in the second half of the season and didn't play too regularly under Pep Guardiola.
"He will be hoping he can make an impression on the new Man City boss Enzo Maresca, which he has been doing so far in pre-season.
"But if he is allowed to leave Man City and he is made available, I'm sure Nottingham Forest will be one of a number of clubs interested in luring him away."
Which other clubs are interested in signing Reijnders?
Amid uncertainty about where Reijnders would fit into Nottingham Forest's plans given Gibbs-White's importance to the side, a move elsewhere could now be on the cards.
Forest are far from the only club interested in signing Reijnders this summer, with clubs across Europe keen to help him recapture his AC Milan form.
Football Insider revealed last month that Newcastle United are interested in signing Reijnders if they are given any indication that he could be allowed to leave Man City.
However, any deal will not be cheap, and there are concerns that the Magpies could be priced out of a move to sign the Netherlands international.
Man City spent £46million to bring the midfielder to the Etihad last summer, and any move is expected to cost in excess of that fee as they aim to make a profit.