“There was some talk”: Journalist believes Nottingham Forest looked at England international with 24 Premier League goals

Nottingham Forest is considering signing an England international with 24 Premier League goals.

The Garibaldi appear to be looking for cheaper options this summer following a run-in with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) last season, so we don’t expect further deals like Ibrahim Sangare’s £30 million signing to occur.

So, what potential deal is Nottingham Forest searching for? Let us have a look.

Patrick Bamford on Nottingham Forest’s radar

According to Phil Hay of The Athletic, Leeds United No.9 Patrick Bamford has been on Nottingham Forest’s radar in 2024, and we believe the City Ground is a viable option for the England international this summer.

The Grantham-born striker faces an uncertain pre-season after the Whites failed to secure a quick return to the Premier League, as well as some financial respite, with his £70,000-a-week salary theoretically being removed from the Elland Road payroll.

The respected writer told The Square Ball podcast: “For Bamford, it’s a little more difficult, mainly because his wages will be exorbitant, so it’s not something Championship clubs can easily afford.

“There was some talk last season January about Forest being semi keen on Bamford, but I don’t know how much interest there would be in the Premier League as a whole at the moment.”

Of course, Hay only mentions the January window, but with Nottingham Forest open to offers for Taiwo Awoniyi and Chris Wood turning 33 in December, we wouldn’t be surprised if the Reds acted if Leeds United offered clubs the chance to sign Bamford for a low fee in order to get rid of his wages.

An England international might push for the move.

Bamford struggled at Elland Road last season, scoring only eight goals in 33 Championship matches, and at the close of the 2022/23 season, he was subjected to some awful abuse from Leeds United fans.

As a result, the 30-year-old may prefer to return to familiar surroundings and be closer to home, which is, in fact, Nottingham for the guy who graduated from the Garibaldi Academy in 2011.

Bamford joined Nottingham Forest when he was eight years old in 2001, before moving to Chelsea for £1.5 million in 2012.

Of course, some readers may be wondering why Nuno Espirito Santo would want to recruit a player who only scored eight Championship goals last season, but we must remember how powerful Bamford can be when deployed correctly.

The Englishman has scored 24 Premier League goals in his career, 17 of which came in the 2020/21 season after Marcelo Bielsa found a way to use him.

Keep an eye on Bamford’s status, as Nottingham Forest could make a move this summer.