According to D3D4, Nottingham Forest are showing an interest in Gillingham’s Kyle Dempsey two years after Derby County looked at striking a deal for the midfielder.
Dempsey has been one of Gillingham’s best players this season, posting eight goals.
The 25-year-old has proven to be a top League One star in recent years, with former Fleetwood Town manager Joey Barton calling him one of the league’s best players.
Derby were reportedly watching him during the 2019-20 campaign.
Football Insider claimed the Rams had sent scouts to monitor his progress, while Huddersfield Town and Swansea City were also keen on the former Fleetwood man.
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Dempsey took a surprise turn by trading Fleetwood for Gillingham last summer.
But his performances down in Kent have remained at a high standard, with D3D4 saying Nottingham Forest are keen with the player valued at around the £500,000 mark.
Forest have enjoyed a revival of sorts under manager Chris Hughton, pulling well clear of the Championship’s bottom three following a disastrous start to the campaign.
Hughton has promotion experience with Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion, and he will be plotting another move up to the Premier League at the City Ground.
Forest have a big summer ahead of them. The Reds have a large squad of players, but with two or three key signings they could have a push for the top six next term.
Gillingham boss Steve Evans told Kent Online how he is desperate to hold on to his prized asset, but the lure of Forest under Chris Hughton would be difficult to resist.
Derby, meanwhile, may have missed the boat when it comes to signing the player.
The Rams must sort out their off-field issues quickly, while a couple of new defenders and a regular goal scorer must top their list of priorities in the transfer market.
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