The transfer rumour mill is well and truly underway as clubs continue their recruitment ahead of the summer transfer window.
One of the most recent transfer rumours to emerge is claims by BristolLive that Nottingham Forest have sent scouts to watch Forest Green Rovers wing-back Kane Wilson.
" BristolLive has learned that Nottingham Forest have watched Wilson a number of times in recent weeks, as he represents a like-for-like replacement for on-loan Djed Spence who appears bound for the Premier League (albeit with Steve Cooper's side very much in the automatic promotion mix), and they will not be alone among Championship clubs who have made multiple trips to New Lawn in 2021/22," they reported.
READ MORE: Cooper sets out stance on Nottingham Forest youngsters amid injury woes
ALSO READ: Championship manager makes 'brilliant' Steve Cooper admission
Birmingham City have also been linked with a move for the 22-year-old who would not be a free agent given he is under the age of 24 and would require a compensation fee. Forest may need to look at signing a right-back in the summer given Djed Spence's Middlesbrough loan deal is due to finish at the end of the season.
But how does Wilson truly compare to Spence as a wing-back?
Under Steve Cooper's style of play, wing backs are required to push forward and often overlap the wide attacking midfielders. Ultimately, this has produced in Spence being involved in six Forest goals this season - four assists and two goals.
Wilson, meanwhile, has proved to be an incredible attacking wing-back for Forest Green Rovers. The 22-year-old has provided 14 assists and three goals for the Gloucestershire outfit in League Two this season. Only Fulham winger Harry Wilson (17) has produced more assists in England's top four divisions.
Both players have featured heavily for their respective sides this season: Spence has made 44 appearances in all competitions in comparison to Wilson's 45. According to WhoScored data, the duo also can't be split when it comes to their average tackles and fouls count per game. Spence (1.6) makes more interceptions on average per match than Wilson (0.8).
Another reason why Wilson appears a sensible option to be looking into is that both enjoy carrying the ball forward. Wilson averages 2.6 offensive dribbles per game, whilst the Forest loanee averages 1.9. Wilson (2) also has a marginally better average key pass count than Spence (0.9).
