Nottingham Forest have been handed a huge boost to their chances of bringing Joe Pigott to The City Ground this summer.

What's the talk?

According to a statement posted by AFC Wimbledon on Twitter, the 27-year-old centre-froward will be leaving Plough Lane at the end of his current contract with the League One side, which is set to expire next month.

It has been reported throughout the season that a number of Championship clubs, including Nottingham Forest, have been keeping a very close eye on the situation of Pigott ahead of a potential move in the transfer market.

Hughton will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive Pigott has been for Wimbledon this season, the news the striker will be available on a free transfer this summer will undoubtedly have Chris Hughton buzzing.

Indeed, over the £2.1k-per-week forward's 45 League One appearances for Mark Robinson's side this term, he scored 20 goals and registered five assists, as well as taking an average of 3.5 shots and making one key pass per game.

These metrics saw the 27-year-old earn a seasonal WhoScored match rating of 7.20, ranking him as Wimbledon's best performer in the third tier.

And, with the caveat that the football in League One is not of the same standard as the Championship, when comparing his returns to that of Lewis Grabban and Lyle Taylor, Pigott beats the Nottingham Forest duo hands down.

Over his 28 league appearances, Grabban managed six goals and one assist, in addition to taking an average of 1.8 shots and making 0.8 key passes per game, seeing the 33-year-old earn a seasonal WhoScored match rating of 6.47.

Over Taylor's 39 Championship fixtures, he scored four goals and provided no assists, as well as taking an average of 1.2 shots and making 0.5 key passes per appearance, receiving a seasonal WhoScored match rating of 6.22.

As such, the Wimbledon man dubbed a "quality" player by Neal Ardley would very much appear to be an upgrade on Hughton's current options at centre-forward.

And, when adding in the bonus of the 27-year-old being available on a free transfer, a deal for the striker would almost appear too good to be true for Forest this summer.

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