Ryan Yates says he would be keen to put pen to paper on fresh terms, as Nottingham Forest look to tie the midfielder down to a new deal.
Some talks have already taken place over a new contract for the Nigel Doughty Academy graduate, and further discussions are understood to be planned to take place next week.
Yates has been integral to the Reds’ rise up the Championship table and their progress in the FA Cup under Steve Cooper, with his form catching the eye of other clubs.
The 24-year-old, whose current contract expires in 2023, insists any talk about his future will not take his focus away from looking to impress on the pitch, however.
“I love it here. I want to stay here,” he told NottinghamshireLive, ahead of Monday's FA Cup tie against Huddersfield Town. “But I’m leaving that to the people who sort that out. I’m just focusing on recovering from Friday night.
“It doesn’t sway my attention from anything. It just shows the club are believing in me. That probably gives me more confidence than anything - to keep improving, to prove them right over why they’d want to keep me.”
Yates was restored to the starting XI for Friday night’s clash at Sheffield United, having dropped to the bench in the previous match, against Bristol City.
Boss Cooper has spoken about how difficult a decision it is to choose who starts in the centre of the pitch, with Jack Colback and James Garner also doing well.
It was Yates, though, who earned his team a point at Bramall Lane as he headed home deep into stoppage time to ensure a 1-1 draw.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him. He’s just an absolute diamond of a lad. He’ll do anything for the football club and anything for the team,” Cooper said afterwards.
“He’s one of the most selfless players I’ve ever worked with.
“I’m not surprised that he’s the one who got on the end of that ball, because he will do anything for this football club.
“I meant to say after the last game, but one of the highlights against Bristol City was when he came on and the crowd sang his name. I think we’re really starting to appreciate what he brings now, which is great.”
