Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move for free agent midfielder Joe Rothwell.
The 27-year-old’s contract with Blackburn Rovers expires this summer, and he has confirmed he will be leaving the club. It seems he will have no shortage of interest.
According to the Telegraph, the Reds will make him an offer - whether they are planning for life in the Premier League or plotting another promotion push, following the play-offs. And Championship rivals West Bromwich Albion are also said to be keen.
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Rothwell made the move to Ewood Park from Oxford United in June 2018. He was offered a new deal with Rovers, but LancsLive report it became apparent he would not put pen to paper after January interest from Bournemouth.
After Blackburn’s final day victory over Birmingham City, the Manchester United academy graduate wrote on Instagram: "And just like that my 4 years @rovers has come to an end! I would like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity to play for such a prestigious club and for bringing me into a group of lads that I don’t think will ever be matched, I wish you all the best and nothing but success. And finally to the fans who have gotten right behind me from the day I walked through the door, I will be forever grateful! best of luck to the club for the future.”
Rothwell started out at Old Trafford, having loan spells at Blackpool and Barnsley before joining Oxford in 2016. He has made more than 160 appearances for Blackburn.
This term, he featured 43 times and scored three goals. However, he was not involved against the Blues at the weekend.
It will be a summer of change at the City Ground whichever division Forest find themselves in next season. It will be boss Steve Cooper’s first real chance to put his stamp on the squad.
The Welshman expressed his admiration for Rothwell after the Reds’ 2-0 win at Ewood Park in February. “As much as I love (Joe) Rothwell as a player, I didn’t love his tackle when Jimmy (Garner) was breaking through,” he said at the time.
