Nottingham Forest have enjoyed an excellent start to their Championship campaign so far as they are level on points with West Brom who are on the top of the table. Their only defeat came in the opening day against the Baggies, and they have surprisingly emerged as a solid unit this season under Sabri Lamouchi.
The change in manager has also been a blessing for centre back Joe Worrall, who was unwanted under Aitor Karanka. The Spanish manager allowed him to leave on loan last summer and the English defender plied his trade for Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.
Worrall though always iterated that he is an out and out Forest man and he would do everything to get back his place. That is what he has done this season, and the 22-year-old has emerged as a mainstay at the back. His partnership with Michael Dawson has looked impressive, and the manager will hope that the duo can carry on with the excellent work.
Premier League interest for Worrall
However, Worrall’s rich form hasn’t gone unnoticed as various reports linked (The Sun) him with a January move to Newcastle United. We think that the centre back is unlikely to leave midway through the season, especially when the Tricky Trees are seemingly challenging for promotion.
How much should Forest demand for Worrall in January?
Nevertheless, Lamouchi needs to brace for some bids for the English defender. If Newcastle wants to get him in January, then Forest should slap a price tag of £25m on the centre back. Reports had mentioned that Steve Bruce is on the lookout for a cheap option in defence, but Worrall is unlikely to be that candidate when he has emerged as the best defender for a side chasing promotion so far.
A year ago Burnley had made an approach for him, and then, the club had reportedly turned down a £10m offer. Worrall has come up leaps and bounds since then, and he is a defender with Europa League experience. Therefore his price should be easily doubled, especially in today’s day and age.
If Forest takes a tough stance on the defender, then we don’t see Newcastle coming up with a significant offer of £25m in January. Maybe next summer he can go for around £15-20m. However, if the Reds achieve promotion, then there is no doubt that Worrall would love to play with his boyhood club in the English top flight.
