Zach Abbott in action about to pass the ball

Zach Abbott could make a loan move away from ForestImago

Sources: Millwall, Watford, Southampton and Hibernian chase Nottingham Forest star Zach Abbott

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

Published on:

31 Aug 2026, 6:51 pm

Millwall, Watford, Southampton and Hibernian are all chasing Nottingham Forest defender Zach Abbott on loan, sources have told Football Insider.

Oliver Glasner has been sorting out his backline throughout his first transfer window as Nottingham Forest manager.

The Reds have signed both Ousmane Diomande and Daniel Munoz in the last few weeks, and now Abbott could leave on loan for the season ahead.

He has failed to appear in any of their three competitive fixtures so far this term, despite featuring heavily in pre-season at centre-back.

Abbott made 10 appearances for Forest across all competitions last season and is highly rated by those inside the club.

The 20-year-old is yet to feature regularly at senior level and could well move to the Championship or Scotland for his first loan spell away from the City Ground.

Zach Abbott targeted by several clubs as Nottingham Forest loan mooted

Abbott joined Forest as a youngster in 2017 and made his way through their youth ranks before being handed a professional debut in a Carabao Cup win over Grimsby Town in 2022 at just 16-years-old.

He has continued to feature regularly for their under-21 side in the last four years, while also winning caps at several youth levels for England.

Abbott was thrust into the limelight in April 2025 as injuries forced Nuno Espirito Santo into starting him at right-back in Forest's FA Cup semi-final clash against Man City at Wembley.

The majority of his minutes last season came in the Europa League, as he started five times during the Reds' run to the semi-finals of the competition.

Abbott is a centre-back by trade, but can also feature on the right of the back four and in holding midfield.

Sources: Robert Sanchez keen on Nottingham Forest move after green light

Robert Sanchez wants Nottingham Forest switch after Chelsea signing

Forest remain in the market for a new goalkeeper to compete with veteran stopper Matz Sels, much like Stefan Ortega did last season.

Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Sanchez is keen on joining Forest after Chelsea signed Emi Martinez to be their new number one keeper.

The Spaniard has struggled to prove himself as a reliable shot-stopper at Stamford Bridge and recently made an error against Fulham in their first game of the new season.

Forest may well accelerate a move for his services in the next 24 hours, with Serie A club Como also reportedly interested.

Nottingham Forest Football Club