Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper has been encouraged to sign Blackburn Rovers midfielder Joe Rothwell on a free transfer.
Rothwell, 27, will take up free agent status at the end of July after rejecting a new contract at Ewood Park with the Reds having been linked to make a swoop for the midfielder. The talented midfielder has spent four seasons in Lancashire, although last term was his most prolific as he provided three goals and ten assists in all competitions.
The Reds are claimed to be "nearing an agreement" for Rothwell, although Europa League runners-up Rangers and fellow recently promoted side Bournemouth have also been linked with a move for the former Manchester United graduate. Rothwell could be a suitable back-up or replacement option to James Garner, who returns to Manchester United having spent the past 18 months on-loan at Nottingham Forest.
