Talks are taking place over Nottingham Forest defender Richie Laryea extending his stay with Toronto FC.
The Canada international’s loan with his former club ended on Friday, meaning he is technically back under the Reds’ wing once again. But the MLS side are eager to keep him, and “active discussions” are being held.
Laryea is unlikely to be part of Forest head coach Steve Cooper’s plans for the upcoming season, with Serge Aurier and Neco Williams already competing for the right-back spot. Toronto are mindful of working within their salary cap, however, and are seemingly prepared to move on if a deal cannot be sorted quickly.
“We’re working on it,” president Bill Manning told TSN (via Waking the Red) on Saturday. “Jason (Hernandez, manager for player engagement) was on the line with him today. (Laryea) called me last night. We’re in active discussion.
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“It’s not totally up to us now, he’s with another club. We’re trying to work it through with a deal that makes sense (with our salary cap). And then we have to respect Nottingham and what they want to do.
“It’s complicated but I can tell you it’s a lively discussion right now (for Laryea), and within the next 48-72 hours hopefully we can pull something off or else that’ll open up a slot that we need to make sure we (fill) with the right player because Richie is a fantastic player and a fantastic human being.”
The report suggests Laryea also has La Liga interest as he contemplates his future. It is said he is on a salary of $1,276,745 (little more than £1 million) with Toronto, with their financial situation needing to be taken into account as they have the highest payroll in the league.
Laryea has been in fine form for his loan club and is currently on international duty at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. He signed for Forest in January 2022 but struggled for game time at the City Ground, leading to him returning to Toronto on loan last summer.
