Nottingham Forest are said to be primed to raid neighbours Leicester City for one of their most promising young talents.
Teenage forward Lorenz Hutchinson has been impressing at youth level for the relegated Foxes. His eye-catching performances for the club’s under-18s have apparently attracted plenty of admirers - with the Reds among them.
Leicester are said to be keen to get the 17-year-old tied down to a professional contract and have held talks on that front. But with no agreement in place, other clubs are ready to pounce.
Forest are “well aware” of Hutchinson, according to the Daily Mail. The Reds are said to be one of a “number” of Premier League teams “watching developments” regarding the youngster’s contract situation.
Hutchinson is viewed as an exciting prospect. He netted 12 goals in 18 games for City’s under-18s this term, to add to the 41 goals and 14 assists he chipped in with last season.
The Reds have a proud tradition of developing players and bringing them through the ranks of the Nigel Doughty Academy. Zach Abbott is the latest to have made the breakthrough to the first-team, with the defender enjoying a memorable season.
The 19-year-old made only his second start in the Garibaldi when head coach Nuno Espirito Santo selected him to face Manchester City in the semi-finals of the FA Cup last month. A few weeks’ later, Abbott scored the decisive spot-kick as Forest’s B Team beat Lyon 5-4 in a penalty shootout to win the Premier League International Cup.
“It gives me hope and it gives us all hope that the academy is working well,” Nuno has said of the B Team’s success. “They played against good teams and beat them to win a prestigious trophy.
“Hopefully some of those who did it can join the squad in the future. The club is working really good on young talents.”
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