Report claims Steven Gerrard could look to make Forest talent his first Villa signing
The recent appointment of Steven Gerrard as the new head coach of Aston Villa could signal the end of Joe Worrall’s time at Nottingham Forest, according to a report.
It was revealed just last week that Worrall was close to joining an unnamed Premier League club in the summer, most likely thought to be Southampton. And while that move broke down, the defender remains determined in his bid to become a Premier League player.
“I think it’s something that, if it doesn’t happen one day – touch wood it is with Forest – but if it isn’t, it’ll be with a club that show me a bit more love than the club that turned me down in the summer,” he said.
As such, a tempting bid for Worrall during the winter window could likely see the player depart the City Ground. With Forest 13th in the table, it will need a big push from Steve Cooper’s side over the second half of the season to secure promotion.
Despite Worrall’s failed move in the summer, the 24-year-old has used that rejection to kick on with Forest this season.
A slow start to the season saw Chris Hughton being shown the door. However, since the arrival of Cooper as head coach, Forest have turned a corner. Indeed, Worrall is proving an influential figure in their recent resurgence so his departure would come as a blow.
And with just one loss in their last 10, Forest will hope to maintain that form once play resumes this weekend.
Having missed just four games all season, his form has seen a number of other sides linked. Indeed, as per Nottingham Forest news, the player has a known admirer in new Villa boss Gerrard.
And they report that past connection could prove key with Gerrard reportedly considering a fresh approach for the Forest man.
Indeed, Gerrard took Worrall on a season long loan at Ibrox back in 2018 after Aitor Karanka made it clear he wasn’t part of his plans.
During his time at Rangers, Worrall made 32 appearances for the club, scoring scored one goal. That season saw them narrowly beaten to the Scottish Premiership title by Celtic.
Gaining valuable experience at a club of Rangers stature, Worrall also got his first taste of European football featuring for Rangers in the Europa League competition.
Worrall has a fan in Gerrard
The new Villa boss was clearly a big fan of Worrall’s during his time at the club. Indeed, he labelled the Forest academy graduate as ‘outstanding’ following his maiden appearance in the Europa League.
Not only is Gerrard familiar with Worrall, he also fits the calibre of player that Villa like to buy. The club has enjoyed recent success of signing young players from the English Football League.
That includes the capture of another Forest player in 2020 in the form of Matty Cash.
Therefore, it would come as no surprise if Gerrard were to look at signing his former loanee come the January window.
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