Nottingham Forest are reportedly 'set to win the chase' to sign Blackburn Rovers midfielder Joe Rothwell on a free transfer.
The 27-year-old will be a free agent at the end of next month and it has already been confirmed that an exit from the Championship club is only a matter of time after rejecting a contract offer during the season. Rothwell, who spent four years at the club, enjoyed the best season of their career in the last campaign after scoring three goals and assisting another 10.
The Manchester United academy graduate could fill a potential hole in central midfield left by James Garner if the Reds are unable to bring the 21-year-old back for a third spell at the City Ground. Europa League runners-up Rangers and fellow recently promoted outfit Bournemouth have both also been interested.
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TEAMtalk are reporting that Rothwell is 'nearing an agreement' with Forest over a free transfer, with head coach Steve Cooper said to be a 'huge fan'. That is despite it previously being believed that Rangers were 'close to an agreement' to sign the player.
It is also added that they will 'beat out' Bournemouth in the process. Scott Parker's side tried to seal a deal in January but were rebuffed by Blackburn as they pushed for promotion.
Forest have also been linked with re-signing Rothwell's former Rovers teammate Ben Brereton Diaz. The Reds are said to 'fancy their chances' of seeing off interest from other Premier League sides.
