Warburton says Forest are close to bolstering midfield options

(Picture: Action Images via Reuters)

Nottingham Forest boss Mark Warburton is keen to bolster his midfield options, and believes further signings are close, as he continues to plan for the upcoming season.

Ahead of the club’s opening fixture against Millwall, Forest have already added four new faces to the squad with Jason Cummings, Barrie McKay, Andreas Bouchalakis and Daryl Murphy all signing since the transfer window opened.

Burnley‘s versatile wide-man, Tendayi Darikwa, is also expected to complete the formalities of a £1 million transfer to the City Ground, but Warburton wants further reinforcements ahead of a long and gruelling Championship campaign.

Speaking to the Nottingham Post, the former Brentford and Rangers manager said: “We will have one more player coming in, still, in midfield.

“We want another talented, forward thinking midfield type, to go along with what we have got already.

“We have players who can fill different roles. Zach Clough is a number 10, Ben Osborn can comfortably play there, Barry McKay can play there – every place must have competition. To have that array of options and that array of quality is pleasing.”

Forest have been linked with a host of midfielders since the end of last season, with fans’ favourite Gary Gardner linked with a third move to the club after Steve Bruce confirmed the player was surplus to requirements at Aston Villa.

Fulham man Kevin McDonald is also thought to be high on Warburton’s wishlist, but the £7 million asking price has been baulked at by the Forest hierarchy, while the East Midlands club are thought to be one of Jackson Irvine‘s many admirers.

Whoever Forest do sign, having quality competition in the squad is clearly key, and Warburton added: “Nobody can be given a shirt in the dressing room. They all have to work for it.

“Now we have quality in every position. We still want to add. We are in a position to announce one player in the next 24 hours and in a position to announce another over the next 48 hours. We are getting there.”