Nottingham Forest FC ready to sign Gary Gardner from Aston Villa FC permanently

Championship side Nottingham Forest are set to ramp up their pursuit to secure the services of on-loan Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner on a permanent deal, according to reports

Considering the fact that Nottingham Forest had their hands tied due to the transfer embargo imposed upon them at the start of the season, they have to be credited for being able to avoid any concerns of relegation into League One throughout the course of the campaign.

Now with the embargo set to be lifted during the summer, it is expected that Forest will be very active in the transfer market to strengthen their ranks in order to mount a challenge for promotion next season.

While a few names have been linked with a move to the City Ground in recent times, one of the main priorities for Forest is believed to be securing the services of on loan midfielder Gary Gardner on a permanent deal.

Gardner set for permanent Forest stay?

Gardner has joined Forest from Aston Villa on loan deals during consecutive January transfer windows over the past few seasons and the 23-year old has managed to impress the City Ground faithful on both occasions.

Now Forest are keen on securing the services of Gardner on a permanent basis and are currently preparing to table a bid for the Villa man.

While Gardner would ideally like to join Forest, a complication to the deal is the fact that Burnley and Brighton & Hove Albion are believed to be interested in the midfielder as well while Villa keeping hold of the 23-year old also remains a possibility.