By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

22nd Mar, 2023 | 3:38pm

Sources: Nottingham Forest plotting to sign Sydney van Hooijdonk as transfer mission revealed

Nottingham Forest are tracking Netherlands Under-21 striker Sydney van Hooijdonk ahead of a potential summer move, sources have told Football Insider.

The 23-year-old son of former Reds striker Pierre has caught the eye of several clubs during his successful spell on loan at Heerenveen from Serie A side Bologna this season.

Forest have been alerted to Van Hooijdonk’s potential and have sent scouts to watch him in action on several occasions this term, including in the recent clash with Ajax earlier this month – in which he found the net.

The forward has scored 13 goals in 29 appearances for Heerenveen across all competitions so far this season, including a brace in the weekend win over Groningen.

His style of play is similar to his famous father – a powerful number nine who netted 36 goals in 69 games for Forest between 1996 and 1999.

Steve Cooper’s side see the younger Van Hooijdonk as a potential star in the making and they are keen to bolster their attacking options ahead of next season.

The 23-year-old made his breakthrough with NAC Breda in the 2020-21 season, scoring 16 goals in 31 outings as the second-tier side came close to promotion to the Eredivisie.

He chose to leave the club as a free transfer in the summer of 2021, joining Bologna – but managed just four appearances in Serie A before being loaned to Heerenveen.

Championship quartet Stoke, Swansea, Cardiff and Millwall have been linked with a move for Van Hooijdonk as recently as January.

But Premier League Nottingham Forest have now joined the race as they fight for survival in the top flight over the last 11 games of this season.

Cooper’s side are two points clear of the drop zone following their 2-1 defeat against Newcastle on Friday (17 March).

In other news, Kieran Maguire drops £41m Nottingham Forest reveal – “there has been a lot of talk…”