Reports say Reds have put in new bid

NOTTINGHAM Forest have made another attempt to sign Derby County defender Lee Buchanan, according to reports.

The Rams’ 20-year-old fullback has been linked with a move to the City Ground over the summer transfer window, with Forest seeing bids rejected.

Recent reports claimed that any potential move for Buchanan had stalled. However, the Sun now claim Forest have made another attempt to get the deal over the line.

It said Reds boss Chris Hughton has gone in with another bid of £1.35m plus add-ons to take the final price to £2m in an attempt to persuade Derby to sell this summer.

Buchanan has been a key member of the Derby squad since breaking into the first team, making 37 appearances for Wayne Rooney’s side last season as the Rams narrowly avoided relegation from the Championship.

Celtic have also been heavily linked with interest in Buchanan this summer, but it seems that Forest have again made their move as they look to add to their left-back options this season.

Currently, Gaetan Bong is the only recognised left-back in Hughton’s squad.

Buchanan has a year left on his contract at Pride Park, although Derby do have an option to extend that deal by a further year.

The Sun report claims that Derby do not want to sell the defender this summer, but the player himself may be keen on the move due to there being no interest from Premier League clubs.

That, therefore, could put Forest in a strong position.

Speaking earlier in the summer, Derby boss Rooney sent a strong message over Buchanan’s future.

“None of my players are going anywhere,” he said.

“The way we are trying to play, they (Buchanan and rightback Nathan Byrne) are the two most important players on the pitch.

“None of my players will be leaving the club this transfer window unless it is to benefit them, whether it is a loan, but that can only happen if we are allowed to bring players in.”