The Nottingham Post understands that Sky Bet Championship side Nottingham Forest are interested in signing midfielder Liam Bridcutt from rivals Leeds United. The former Brighton & Hove Albion and Sunderland man has fallen down the pecking order at Elland Road since the appointment of Thomas Christiansen.
The 28-year-old is now in the final year of his contract, and it would appear somewhat unlikely that he’ll be offered an extension by Leeds. Although Christiansen insists Bridcutt does have a role to play, it is certainly not a role that the player himself is likely to appreciate.
Kalvin Phillips and Euan O’Kane are the first choice central midfielder pairing at Leeds now, with Bridcutt now struggling to even win a place among the substitutes. Vurnon Anita and Mateusz Klich also both joined the club over the summer, further damaging Bridcutt’s prospect of game time. He did appear in the 4-1 EFL Cup victory over Port Vale last week and played 25 times for them last season under Garry Monk.
Bridcutt was the Leeds captain last season, an honour which he no longer officially holds. Competition for places in the midfield is quite intense as well at the City Ground. David Vaughan has been an ever-present in the side, whilst summer signing Andreas Bouchalakis is beginning to impress after scoring twice in the recent victory at Brentford. Club captain Chris Cohen is also another option in this area as well.
Whilst Bridcutt could very well leave Leeds before the transfer window closes at the end of the month, it looks as though Nottingham Forest have made their feelings known. Mark Warburton wants more experience in his relatively young squad, and the ex-Chelsea youngster does fit the bill quite nicely indeed.
