Talks have taken place over turning Nottingham Forest defender Richie Laryea’s loan switch to Toronto FC into a permanent move.
The full-back signed for the Reds from the Major League Soccer outfit in January, reportedly turning down the offer of fresh four-year terms in order to link up with Steve Cooper’s side. He penned a three-and-a-half-year contract in a deal thought to be worth about $1m (roughly £740,000).
However, he struggled to break into the Forest team and made just five appearances last season, with only one of those coming in the starting XI. Amid a summer overhaul following promotion to the Premier League, he was one of a number of departures from the City Ground.
READ MORE: Filippo Giraldi plan set out as Nottingham Forest aim 'to build'
READ MORE: Promise made to Forest fans as Reds prepare for tough Liverpool test
Laryea headed back to Toronto in August, on a loan deal which runs through to the end of June next year. Keen to get regular game time ahead of the World Cup in Qatar, the Canada international featured 10 times before the campaign ended earlier this month.
With his future Trentside in doubt, discussions are said to have taken place with the Reds about Toronto signing him permanently. “There have been those kinds of discussions, so we’ll see how they all work out,” coach Bob Bradley told TFC Republic.
Forest strengthened in the full-back positions during the summer transfer window. They now have Neco Williams and Serge Aurier as right-back options, with the versatile Giulian Biancone also able to play there. Renan Lodi, Harry Toffolo and Omar Richards can play on the left, as can Williams and Aurier. Richards has yet to make his debut in the Garibaldi, having suffered a hairline fracture of the leg in the summer.
Laryea made his first appearance for Forest as a substitute in a 4-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion in April. Boss Cooper said at the time: “He’s a really, really good guy. Calm, relaxed, has bought into what we are doing. His family are over here. He’s completely engaged.
“And he’s taken not playing as much as he would have liked - none of them take it well - but he’s taken it professionally. I’ve explained to him, the situation, and he accepts it.”
Would you like to have seen Laryea get more of a chance at Forest? Have your say in the comments below
READ NEXT:
