NEWLY-PROMOTED Nottingham Forest have reportedly made initial contact with Saints over a summer move for midfielder Will Smallbone.

The Championship play-off winners are likely going to need a replacement for on-loan James Garner, who is set to return to Manchester United.

The 21-year-old has spent the last 18 months at the City Ground, winning man-of-the-match in their Wembley win over Huddersfield Town on the weekend.

New Red Devils boss Erik Ten Hag wants to assess the promising youngster in pre-season before deciding on his plans for the next campaign.

Daily Echo: Manchester United midfielder James Garner after Wembley success (Pic: PA)Manchester United midfielder James Garner after Wembley success (Pic: PA)

And independent publication Stretty News report there have been early discussions for 22-year-old Smallbone to be his direct replacement.

The Saints academy graduate has had his progress slowed by horrific injury misfortune since making his debut under Ralph Hasenhuttl in January 2020.

He marked that bow by scoring against Huddersfield in the FA Cup, but has only made a further 19 first-team appearances in the nearly two-and-a-half years that followed.

Smallbone suffered an ACL injury that kept him out of most of 2021, before a calf concern just a few months into his return sidelined him even more.

The well-liked Republic of Ireland under-21 international made just four Premier League appearances for Hasenhuttl this season, with little impact.

Daily Echo: Will Smallbone will look to kick on next season (Pic: Stuart Martin)Will Smallbone will look to kick on next season (Pic: Stuart Martin) (Image: Stuart Martin)

The report details initial discussions over a transfer, but does not specify if that could be a loan or permanent deal.

Hasenhuttl, after giving Smallbone his league debut over two years ago, described him as “the future” of Saints.

Earlier this year, he told the Daily Echo: “ I think he can play both positions but he also knows what I demand more from him on the six.

“More ball wins, physically a little bit tougher job to do, but I am definitely sure that he can also play this job.

“He’s a very intelligent young player with good technique, and I’m very happy that he got through his long injury which was not an easy time for him.”

Turning 23 next year, it is integral for Smallbone’s development that he gets more than 20 senior games finally under his belt.

Much of that will depend on his ability to stay injury-free, while a move elsewhere could also help assure his time on the pitch.

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