Nottingham Forest torpedo Rangers with transfer coup for ex-Man Utd star Joe Rothwell close

Nottingham Forest are set to win the chase for Joe Rothwell and beat a host of clubs including Scottish champions Rangers to his signature, TEAMtalk understands.

Forest secured promotion to the top flight with a nail-biting 1-0 victory over Huddersfield Town in the play-offs. Next season will be their first campaign back in the Premier League since 1999, and all eyes will be on who Steve Cooper and co. sign to ensure their stay isn’t a short one.

TEAMtalk has learned Blackburn Rovers midfielder, Joe Rothwell, is nearing an agreement with Forest.

The 27-year-old midfielder is out-of-contract at Ewood Park and has rejected the offer of an extension.

Scottish champions Rangers had been close to agreement. However, we understand the former Manchester United star is heading back to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest.

Cooper is a huge fan and is now close to jumping in and claiming Rothwell’s signature. In doing so, Forest will also beat out fellow Premier League new boys Bournemouth.

Rothwell operates primarily in central midfield, though is adept at playing in either a defensive or attacking role.

He bagged three goals and 10 assists for Forest in 41 Championship appearances last season. He also deputised on the left side on one occasion.

Rothwell rose through the Man Utd academy after first joining in 2001. However, he never made a senior appearance for the Red Devils before moving to Oxford Utd in 2016.

After two impressive seasons, Rothwell earned a move to Blackburn in 2018. He has since gone from strength to strength at Ewood Park.

But after four years with Rovers in the Championship, he now looks on course to test himself in the big time with Forest.

Blackburn may suffer further disappointment in the coming