The Nottingham Post is of the understanding that Nottingham Forest are keeping tabs on Bristol Rovers defender Tom Lockyer. The Welsh international is on Aitor Karanka’s radar as he looks to add another option to cover his right back position at the City Ground.
However, it is clear that Sam Byram of West Ham United is indeed his preferred choice in that area. At this stage, Tendayi Darikwa is the only senior player Nottingham Forest have who can play here. Eric Lichaj left over the summer for Hull City, so Karanka is looking at either Byram or Lockyer to fill this void.
Byram is available for transfer with the Hammers as new manager Manuel Pellegrini moulds the squad of players he wants for the upcoming campaign. Lockyer, aged 23, is very much a key member of Darrell Clarke’s squad at the Memorial Ground. Whilst they would not want to lose him, they will have a valuation on him that must be met if they were to even entertain a sale.
Lockyer is not believed to be the only other alternative that Forest are focusing on to solve their full back conundrum. However, his versatility in also being able to play as a centre back might give him an edge, should the club indeed push to sign him and not former Leeds man Byram. He has spent his entire career at Bristol Rovers, featuring well over 200 times. He may wish to test himself at a higher level, and with a big club that has two European Cup titles in their trophy cabinet.
