Nottingham Forest has entered the fray for Ben Doak, expressing its interest in the young Liverpool star. Doak was a sensation during his loan spell at Middlesbrough last season, netting three goals and providing seven assists in the Championship.
His performances have piqued the interest of Everton in recent weeks but Forest, who are flush with cash following the sale of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United, are also said to be keen.
The Tricky Trees secured European football after finishing seventh last season. However, manager Nuno Espirito Santo saw one of his top players snatched away when Elanga made the move to the north-east in a $74 million (£55 million) deal last week.
With a spot now vacant on the right wing, the City Ground hierarchy have pinpointed Doak as a potential replacement, reports The Express.
Earlier this summer, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace also expressed interest in Doak. Brentford also maintains a long-standing interest in the 19 year old that dates back at least a year.
Forest is among the latest clubs to express interest in Doak, buoyed by the funds from Elanga's lucrative sale. PSV Eindhoven are another club keen on Doak, who also has admirers in Spain.
It is believed that the youngster would be open to leaving Liverpool after getting a taste of regular first-team football with Boro last season.
And Liverpool would be willing to part ways with Doak for a substantial fee, thought to be in the region of $34M (£25m).
Doak joined the Reds in 2022 after making his senior debut for Celtic at just 16-years-old. He's made 10 appearances for Liverpool and was a substitute in Sunday's pre-season victory over Preston North End, but finding playing time in Arne Slot's wide positions is proving challenging.
Newcastle United Unveil New Signing Anthony Elanga
Anthony Elanga has signed for Newcastle from Forest (Image: Getty)
Forest have already bolstered their squad this summer with the signings of defender Jair Cunha and centre-forward Igor Jesus from Botafogo, while David Carmo will effectively be a new addition following his loan spell at Olympiacos last season.
Forest kicked off their pre-season with a goalless stalemate against Chesterfield on Saturday. They're set to test their mettle against AS Monaco this weekend before heading to a training camp in Portugal, where they'll face Fulham and Estoril in further friendlies.
If Doak is brought in to fill Elanga's boots at the City Ground, he'll have a tough act to follow, given that the Swede netted six goals and provided 11 assists in the Premier League last season.