Nottingham Forest fans send Steve Cooper transfer message over 'excellent' Newcastle United defender

Nottingham Forest have sent head coach Steve Cooper a clear message after reports suggested the Reds could try and sign Jamaal Lascelles this summer.

Lascelles, 28, has fallen down the pecking order at Newcastle United under boss Eddie Howe and has been been replaced due to January signing Dan Burn forming an impressive partnership with Fabian Schar. The Toon captain still has two years left on his current deal at St James' Park but may look for a move away according to reports.

Having been a key member of the squad before Christmas, Lascelles has made just eight Premier League appearances since the start of 2022.

Forest boss addresses Djed Spence situation ahead of potential play-offs problem

The play-offs record which shows why Nottingham Forest should target third-placed finish

Transfer insider Dean Jones said: "I think there’s a possibility that he goes to Forest, maybe. I think there will be a few clubs interested in signing him; high Championship, low end Premier League, is probably where he will be looking."

Lascelles, who was born in Derby, started his professional career on the red side of the East Midlands as he progressed through Forest's academy system before making 65 first-team appearances in the Garibaldi. He left Forest to join Newcastle in 2014.

Forest fans have been fairly clear in their thoughts of the defender, sending Cooper a clear message over the potential transfer target. Here is what some had to say on the NottinghamshireLive Nottingham Forest Facebook page...

He's an excellent player. Knows football, knows what wins and loses games in the PL, let alone the Championship. Would be a solid acquisition, whichever league we are in.

Not as good as what we have.

We need to break away from this