Nottingham Forest Opinion: O’Neill should go all out for Harrison Reed to replace his ageing midfield options

According to Nottinghamshire Live, Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Southampton midfielder Harrison Reed, with reports claiming that manager Martin O’Neill is exploring the possibility of bringing the former England youth international to the City Ground this summer.

Newcastle United loanee Jack Colback was arguably Forest’s standout performer in the midfield in the Championship this past season, and while the club will be looking to bring him back to the City Ground, they have also identified Reed as a potential transfer target. (h/t Nottingham Forest)

Deemed surplus to demands at Southampton, Reed spent this past season on loan at Balckburn Rovers in the Championship and made 33 league appearances for Tony Mowbray’s side, as the club finished mid-table in the second-tier.

The 24-year-old contributed with 3 goals and 5 assists, with the manager using him as a utility player at right-back, right wing-back, central midfield and attacking midfield positions over the course of the campaign.

According to Nottinghamshire Live, Mowbray has hailed Reed’s versatility as a player, suggesting that he would be an incredible signing for Forest this summer if they manage to get this deal over the line.

However, he is not the only manager to have showered praises on the 24-year-old Southampton academy product, with Norwich City boss Daniel Farke giving Reed rave reviews for his resilience, character and personality.

Reed spent the 2017-18 season on loan at Norwich City in the Championship and went on to establish himself as one of the key players under Farke. Hence, the German manager speaking of the 24-year-old in glowing terms is quite understandable.

Essentially a central midfielder by trade, Reed is noted for his versatility to play in multiple positions in the middle of the park, as well as in right-back and wing-back roles. A strong and tenacious midfielder noted for his work-rate, stamina, drive and determination, the 24-year-old holds things together for his team in the midfield and contributes equally to both attack and defence.

An energetic midfielder, who is also adept at dealing with the transitions in play and breaking up attacks with crucial tackles and interceptions, Reed is more than capable of making an impression in the attacking third with his eye for key passes and ball-retention skills. That, coupled with his set-piece ability, make him a wonderful all-around player for any team.

Reed averaged 2 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 1.2 key passes, 1.4 long balls and 1.1 crosses per game in the Championship this past season, figures which are a clear testament to his well-rounded attributes.

However, it is unlikely that he would be considered for a first-team role at St.Mary’s next season and a permanent move back to the Championship would help him finally settle down and kick-start his career.

To put things into perspective, Nottingham Forest are currently not crying out for reinforcements in the middle of the park but Reed, with his versatility, should be an exciting proposition for the club. As a matter of fact, a flexible player like him could offer O’Neill with cover and competition on multiple areas of the pitch, and that is exactly why Forest need to bring him in this summer.

Central midfielders Claudio Yacob (31), Adlene Guedioura (33) and Ben Watson (33) are all nearing the latter stages of their careers and bringing in someone like Reed would add a lot of youthful exuberance, energy and dynamism to Forest’s midfield.

Liam Bridcutt hardly played a role last season, and with Pele set to return to Monaco upon the expiry of his loan deal, the arrival of Reed would ensure that Forest embark on the upcoming campaign with the perfect balance in their midfield options.

Youngster Matthew Cash enjoyed a wonderful run last season and Reed’s presence could help the talented youngster take his game to the next level.

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Forest will be expected to reignite their surge for promotion once again next term, having finished 9th in the standings this time around. They need depth and quality in all areas of their squad for that purpose and it is not difficult to see that Harrison Reed could be a massive coup for the club.