Nottingham Forest 'ahead of the game' in Rico Lewis chase

Nottingham Forest are currently leading the race to sign Manchester City right-back Rico Lewis this summer.

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the 21-year-old is likely to push for an exit from the Etihad Stadium this summer.

Lewis is being increasingly linked with a move away from his boyhood club this summer, after a season that saw him make just 11 Premier League appearances last time out.

Wyness believes that a move away is highly likely for him in the coming weeks, and has noted that Nottingham Forest are in a slightly stronger position to sign him than Everton at the moment.

Both clubs have shown an interest in the England international, and Wyness believes that a move to either would be "great" for Lewis' development.

The youngster previously starred for City back in the 2024-25 campaign, but found himself firmly out of favour under Pep Guardiola last term.

Nottingham Forest in box seat due to Elliot Anderson sale

Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Forest currently hold the edge over his former club when it comes to a move for Lewis this summer.

The East Midlands outfit recently completed the sale of Elliot Anderson to City for £116million, and that money is set to put them in a strong position to land Lewis.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained why he believes Oliver Glasner's side are "ahead of the game" in the race for the starlet.

"I think so, yeah (Lewis to push for an exit). He only had four starts last season, so it's pretty clear that something's not working out there," he said.

"Forest are ahead of the game in terms of getting him after the Elliott Anderson money. I think they could afford to structure a deal that would beat anybody else, but I know Everton are also closing in because they've got a big need for a right-back and he would be perfect in that case.

"I think it's going to come down to those two. Rico wants minutes, obviously, and I think in both places he'd get full minutes and that would be the key thing for him. 

"There'll be an attraction, whether he sees Oliver Glasner as something that could be attractive for him at Forest, or whether he wants David Moyes to work with as well, which I think would also be great for his development.

"It hasn't worked out at City; it doesn't always work out at City, but listen, it won't be a bad experience. He's obviously a quality player, but I expect him to be at one of those two clubs come the next few weeks."

Man City ready to consider Rico Lewis offer

Football Insider revealed on Wednesday that City will consider any offer that comes in for Lewis this summer.

The Citizens are not actively trying to show the youngster the door, but are prepared to seriously consider his exit if a suitable offer arrives.

Forest are long-term admirers of the starlet, and are already "exploring" a move for him in this summer's window.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis has shown a desire to build a core of young English talent in recent years, and Lewis is someone who would fit that bill.