Lee’s a likeable rogue and he’s rooting for us. But what will be, will be regarding future – Warnock

NEIL Warnock has refused to rule out the possibility of Lee Tomlin completing a permanent switch to Nottingham Forest in the summer.

The midfielder has impressed while on loan at the City Ground, scoring four goals and providing three assists since arriving in January as part of a move that saw winger Jamie Ward move the other way.

After another great showing at the weekend, reports in the East Midlands have suggested that Forest boss Aitor Karanka is keen to make Tomlin’s stay permanent in the summer.

And Warnock, while equally impressed with what he’s seen from the 29-year-old, has hinted that the door could well be open for a deal to be completed.

Speaking ahead of his side’s crucial trip to Hull City on Saturday, Warnock admitted: “We said we’d talk. I met Karanka at the game last week and we said we’d have a chat at the end of the season about it.

“He’s a good bloke, but whatever will be, will be on that.”

But while doubts may be increasing over Tomlin’s future in the Welsh capital, it’s clear he remains on very good terms with the Yorkshireman.

“I speak to Lee quite a lot,” Warnock added.

“The likeable rogue that he is. He’s rooting for us as well and we had a good laugh.”

Another player to have been contacted by the Bluebirds boss is goalkeeper Lee Camp.

The gloveman, who’s enjoyed a strong working relationship with Warnock in recent years, and was arguably signed to challenge Neil Etheridge for the number one jersey, has endured a torrid spell on Wearside.

A high-profile error in the 2-2 draw at Reading saw Camp come in for heavy criticism from Sunderland fans , but Warnock believes it would be wrong to single out the veteran keeper.

“All the players have come in for criticism up there,” he added.

“I think when you look at the defensive record and the goals they conceded, I think Gordon Banks would struggle up there.

“He’s [Camp] feeling a lot happier about himself.”