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Nottingham Forest Plotting January Move For Star From Premier League Rivals

Marcus Tavernier Bournemouth Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest have been in contact with Bournemouth over the potential signing of midfielder Marcus Tavernier.

With Premier League survival at stake, this January transfer window is a vital one for Nottingham Forest.

Sean Dyche’s side sit 17th in the table, albeit seven points clear of West Ham in 18th.

But a lot can change quickly in the Premier League, and there is no room for complacency.

Pressure is mounting on Forest head of football Edu Gaspar, as well as manager Dyche.

As such, Forest are keen to add depth and quality throughout their squad before the window shuts in a few weeks.

And the Midlands club have identified one man in particular as a key target they are very keen to sign.

Nottingham Forest Keen On Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier

Forest have reportedly made contact with Bournemouth over the potential signing of Marcus Tavernier.

Twenty-six year old midfielder Tavernier, younger brother of Rangers captain James Tavernier, has impressed for the Cherries under Andoni Iraola.

A product of the Middlesbrough academy, Marcus made 155 appearances for Boro before joining Bournemouth in 2022.

He’s since played 112 games on the South Coast, registering 17 goals and 17 assists.

But Bournemouth have made clear that Tavernier is not for sale.

Injuries and circumstances, as well as Tavernier’s importance to Iraola’s side, mean that Bournemouth are not prepared to sell the former England youth international.

Justin Kluivert’s injury has ruled the Dutch winger out for some time, while replacing Antoine Semenyo remains a major task.

Semenyo joined Manchester City after they activated his £65 million release clause.

The Bristol-born Ghanaian international has already scored twice in three appearances for City, having netted 10 for Bournemouth this season.

On the injury front, Bournemouth are still missing the likes of Enes Unal, Ben Gannon-Doak, Tyler Adams, Ryan Christie and William Dennis.

Given their lack of availability, it seems unlikely they would sanction a sale for Tavernier – barring a ridiculous offer.

Will Nottingham Forest Sign Tavernier?

Forest’s interest in Marcus Tavernier is understandable.

An experienced, Premier League proven midfielder capable of playing in a number of roles, his versatility and profile are highly desirable.

And at 26, he has plenty of good years left ahead of him, meaning Forest would be signing him right as he reaches his peak.

But Bournemouth’s own situation complicates any possible deal.

Tavernier signed a new deal in September, and would not come cheaply.

There is little chance the Cherries would sell in January unless they had a suitable replacement already lined up.

And given the fact Tavernier is already a known quantity, popular within the club and used to Iraola’s system, selling him to bring in another player would be a needless gamble.

If Forest are serious about signing him, they may be best placed to wait until the summer, when both they and Bournemouth have longer to negotiate.

Related TopicsAFC Bournemouth Nottingham Forest Premier League

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