Nottingham Forest have been handed a boost in their bid to sign Aberdeen defender Luke Turner.
What’s the word?
That is according to a report from Nottingham Forest News that the Scottish Premiership side will not be offering the Irish defender a new contract, meaning that he will become a free agent.
Speaking to the Press and Journal, Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin said: “Luke has had a really good loan period over in the Northern Ireland and has done particularly well. We just believe it’s a little bit short for what we’re looking for in that area.
“We’ve got another one of two good young centre-backs coming through the system and you’re always wary of blocking that pathway.”
How highly do you rate McKenna?
The next Scott McKenna
With Turner set to go on trial at Forest, if the 19-year-old is to earn himself a deal with the club, then Cooper will be hoping that he can replicate the progression shown by Scott McKenna, who is also an Aberdeen youth product.
The 25-year-old has been immense for Forest and has played a key part in helping the club achieve their ambition of reaching the Championship play-offs.
If Turner – who has been dubbed “outstanding” – is to win a contract at the City Ground, then the starlet will certainly have a role model on whom to base his game and aid his development.
However, it is also important to not get too far ahead, with the teenager’s experience of first team football limited to the Northern Ireland top flight and Republic of Ireland second tier.
Having been told that his contract at Aberdeen will not be renewed, the 19-year-old is set to leave without making a senior appearance for the Dons, yet more evidence towards the notion that the club do not rate him.
A particular comment made by Goodwin came across as harsh when he said: “We’ve got another one of two good young centre-backs coming through the system and you’re always wary of blocking that pathway.”
Cooper will be hoping that Turner can prove his doubters wrong and earn himself a career at Forest. After all, with the Reds’ history with youth products, it bodes well that they are interested in signing him.
In other news – Imagine him & Johnson: Cooper must seal Forest swoop for “magic” 20-goal livewire
