The Nottingham Post claims that Nottingham Forest remain in the hunt for West Ham right back Sam Byram, despite the transfer window for permanent transfers closing. The Sky Bet Championship club remain hopeful of concluding a loan switch for the former Leeds United man.
A loan deal, with the view to a permanent deal, is something that could be on the table for the Hammers to consider in the coming days. Clubs in the EFL have until the end of the month to sign up player on loan. Nottingham Forest are eager to get another right back to provide competition for Tendayi Darikwa at the City Ground.
It is believed that Forest were firmly in the race to sign Byram before today’s 5pm deadline, and there were reports of the player actually being present in Nottingham. Whilst it did not go through, it is understood to have not been far away to being concluded. That means the prospect of a loan switch may not be too complicated.
Byram is down the pecking order at West Ham and new manager Manuel Pellegrini surely would not stand in his way should a loan move materialise. His first team opportunities would greatly improve playing for Nottingham Forest, in a division where he made a big impact when breaking onto the scene and then consolidating a spot in the Leeds team.
Karanka has been quite open in his pursuit of the player over recent weeks. Earlier today, he stated that he did not initially think the 24-year-old would be a realistic target, but once it become so, they made their move.
