Lewis Grabban should only have a future at Nottingham Forest next season if he agrees to take a massive pay cut.
That is the verdict of Reds great Colin Barrett, who feels the signing of Sam Surridge and the potential long-term addition of Keinan Davis from Aston Villa, as well as the changing financial picture in football, puts Grabban in a challenging negotiating position.
Grabban has enjoyed an excellent season with 12 goals and four assists in 29 games, but he is currently out injured as he enters the final months of his contract.
The 34-year-old is understood to be one of Forest's top earners, if not the top one, and league title winner Barrett says he must accept a vastly reduced contract offer for next season if one is forthcoming.
"Grabban will only do it when he wants to do it. He's a goal scorer," he told this week's Garibaldi Red podcast.
"You can't criticise him when he's scoring goals. That's his job. I'm not so bothered what he does elsewhere if he's scoring goals.
"If you get the ball in the box like they did (against Huddersfield) he'll get his fair share. He does miss chances though.
"Surridge hasn't had as many chances, but he took two very well against Huddersfield. When strikers are confident they get an extra yard.
"Grabban has done his time. Forest need to move on.
"I'd sign him if he takes half his wages. I don't think he'll go anywhere else on the wages he's on now.
"We're talking about a different financial climate. Forest are no different to any other club.
"They'll look at his wages and say we can get Davis for X million and that's an investment. They've already got Surridge so don't necessarily need Grabban at the wages he's on.
"I'm pleased Surridge got his goal (against Huddersfield). I think he's been trying too hard at times in front of goal. His finish was exceptional.
"He's mobile, plus gives them options and energy. He'll prove to be a good signing in the end.
"Strikers are judged on goals and he's got one. He's a big strong unit and I think he's a good acquisition."
One other striker still under contract for next season is Lyle Taylor, who has flourished on loan at Birmingham City with three goals and an assist in seven games.
Barrett believes that is great news for Forest as it will only help them find a buyer for the 31-year-old.
"Lyle Taylor disappointed me. I thought he had something Forest needed," he said.
"He's more intent on grappling with centre halves than playing the ball when it comes to him. He lost every single battle I saw.
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"I thought he wasn't the right person then. He's at Birmingham now where the manager (Lee Bowyer) knows about him.
"That gives the lad confidence. If he keeps scoring goals at Birmingham that gives him more confidence.
"It's a win-win for Forest. If he keeps scoring someone will buy him. He's not been the player I thought he would be.
"I like the look of Surridge and Davis - it depends what Villa want to do with Davis. Every player has a price."
