Sources: Falkirk make move to sign Nottingham Forest forward Joe Gardner
Falkirk have made an offer to sign Nottingham Forest attacker Joe Gardner on a permanent transfer, sources have told Football Insider.
A number of League One and League Two clubs, including Oldham Athletic, are also keen to sign the 21-year-old with potential loan moves being lined up.
Nottingham Forest have yet to make a decision about Gardner's future, but are weighing up their options as he is set to return from a season-long loan spell at Mansfield.
The Ireland Under-21 international scored one goal in 14 League One appearances last season, but clubs are willing to give him another shot at success in the EFL.
Falkirk, meanwhile, are prepared to give him a fresh start in the Scottish Premiership where they shocked plenty by recording a sixth-place finish last time out.
Gardner remains highly thought of at Nottingham Forest, but with just one year left on his contract, they have been given a decision to make over his future.
Could Nottingham Forest accept an offer for Joe Gardner?
Football Insider revealed on 8 June that Oldham are in talks with Nottingham Forest over a loan move for Gardner and are hopeful of reaching and agreement.
However, Falkirk's offer has thrown a spanner in the works, with Forest now weighing up whether to send the striker on loan again or to let him leave permanently.
After two spells away on loan, firstly with Lincoln City in 2024-25 and then Mansfield in 2025-26, there is a growing feeling he could finally make a permanent move.
Garner has struggled to impress in either of his spells at EFL clubs, with a combined two goals in 28 games across all competitions when on loan.
Oldham are making ambitious plans for next season and hope the striker can be part of their side, but the chance to enjoy a fresh start in the SPFL could prove tempting.
Why do Falkirk want to sign Garnder this summer?
Falkirk's pursuit of Gardner comes after West Brom confirmed the signing of Barney Stewart, who had led the line so well for the Scottish club over the last season.
Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that West Brom had seen an offer for Steward rejected by Falkirk, as had EFL duo Lincoln City and Oxford United.
However, the Baggies remained strong in their pursuit and eventually got a deal over the line, forcing Falkirk to assess the market in search of a new striker.
Stewart, 22, scored 18 goals in 33 games across all competitions last season and will need replacing if his club are to replicate their success.
Garner has been identified as a clear option to repalce their former striker, and with an official bid tabled, they will be made to wait for a response from Nottingham Forest.