Keinan’s return to Reds could be crucial – Whelan
NOTTINGHAM Forest have been told why they must sign Aston Villa striker Keinan Davis this summer.
Davis spent the second half of last season on loan at the City Ground, scoring five goals in 18 League appearances as the Reds earned promotion back to the Premier League. He quickly became a fans’ favourite because of his attitude and style of play, with many wanting to see him back in Garibaldi red.
Former Leeds United and Coventry City striker Noel Whelan has urged Forest to sign Davis, giving a forward’s perspective on why the Villa man is perfect to lead the line for the Reds.
He outlined his reasons, which include factors on and off the pitch, while speaking to Football Insider.
“They’ve got to be interested,” said Whelan.
“I don’t think Lewis Grabban is going to give you a full season in the Premier League.
“As much as I admire him and his work-rate is fantastic, as is his overall centre-forward play, you’ve got to look at injuries and games that he’s played.
“Yes, I think he’ll have a big part to play at Forest but I do believe you’ll need options to win football matches. That generally comes from strikers.
“Keinan Davis has been successful. I think the fans like him at Nottingham Forest and would be disappointed if they don’t re-sign him, whether that’s on loan or a permanent.
“He gives you a different type of striker option, a big strong boy who is very quick in behind.
“He plays a different role to Lewis Grabban, he likes to get the ball to feet in a number 10 spot and make late runs into the box with an eye for a goal in the six-yard box.
“When you’re looking for certain players and a different kind of player, Keinan Davis gives you that option.
“I know for a fact from living there for a period of time and going back week in, week out to see my daughter, the fans really enjoy him. They put a lot of onus on him to win football matches and think very highly of him.”
Meanwhile, Forest academy graduate Oli Burke has completed a transfer to Bundesliga side Werder Bremen.
The 25-year-old has joined the German club from Sheffield United for an undisclosed fee, having spent the second half of last season out on loan with Millwall.
Burke will now play in the Bundesliga for a second time after joining RB Leipzig from Forest back in 2016.
He came through the academy ranks at Forest, making his debut in 2014-15 and made 31 appearances over three seasons before joining the German club.
There he made 25 Bundesliga appearances in the 2016-17 season before returning to England with West Bromwich Albion, who were then in the Premier League, and suffered relegation.