Aitor Karanka reveals if Joe Lolley wants to leave Nottingham Forest

Aitor Karanka believes Joe Lolley wants to stay at Nottingham Forest and isn’t motivated by money or moving away from the City Ground this season. The in-form winger has somewhat of an uncertain future with a number of clubs keen to procure his signature in January.

Forest could test Lolley’s loyalty with a new long-term contract, but Karanka warned that it can set a dangerous precedent, even if the 26-year-old deserves a reward for recent performances – 13 goals scored and created in 21 Championship games this season.

When asked if Forest are looking to tie Lolley down to a new deal, the Reds boss said to Nottingham Live: “I know that Joe is here and he wants to be here. I want him to be here and the club want him to be here. I do not know exactly what the club are doing, because I do not want to know about these things.

“I know that he wants to be here and I want him to be here – and the club want him to be here as well. Yes, he does (deserve a reward for his form). But at the same time, when I was a player, I did not play five good games and then feel that I deserved more money.”

Lolley has been outstanding for Karanka’s side, having a hand in six of their last nine goals in the Championship. He’s frequently been one of the better performers and has subsequently attracted interest from the likes of Watford, West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City.

The Premier League can often be a lure, but Lolley could help Forest attain promotion to the top-flight. The Reds are currently seventh in the Championship with 34 points from 21 games, having the opportunity to leapfrog Middlesbrough and Monday’s opponents Derby County to win.

Crippy Cooke’s previous article