Academy graduate Joe Worrall could get a reward for his fine form as Nottingham Forest look to stave off any interest from potential suitors.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Paul Taylor, whose piece in The Athletic details a number of potential targets and contract issues Forest have for the upcoming season.

One player noted is the stand-in captain Worrall, who has been linked with moves away from the club for some time now.

However, Taylor claims that “his performances were such that the club want to reward him with an improved deal”.

Supporters will be buzzing

This will leave fans of the Tricky Trees buzzing, who have seen this young man grow into a colossus at the back for them.

Also, in the absence of club captain Lewis Grabban, he captained the side for much of their promotion-winning season.

His average SofaScore rating of 7.07 marks him out as a consistent stalwart at the back for Forest, which was especially important due to their rocky start. They sat bottom of the league before Steve Cooper took over back in September.

Not only this, but his underlying stats show him to be integral to the way the manager wants his side to play. Averaging 0.8 blocks, 2.0 tackles, 3.1 clearances and 1.9 interceptions per 90, he is pictured as a busy defender who enjoys the dirty work.

His role as the enforcer allows his side to operate the way it does, and afforded the likes of Djed Spence the freedom down the right which saw him lauded throughout the year.

Even as far back as 2018, he was being identified as a remarkable footballer, with Steven Gerrard labelling him a “fantastic player” as his Rangers side were reportedly interested in him prior to the defender joining the former Liverpool captain's side on a year-long loan deal.

Forest will want to get him tied down as soon as possible to avoid any further links away from the City Ground, however now they are finally in the Premier League, supporters can be optimistic that their captain will commit his long-term future to the club.

AND in other news: Forest now in contention for "unbelievable" £15m talent, he's Cooper's dream signing