Nottingham Forest confirm agreement with 26-y/o player

Nottingham Forest have confirmed the signing of defender Tyler Blackett following his departure from Reading earlier this summer.

Blackett had been a free agent having left the Royals at the end of last season following the expiration of his contract with the club, having spent the last four years at The Madejski Stadium, during which time he made 122 appearances in all competitions for the club.

Now Forest have moved quickly to secure the services of the 26-year-old, confirming the arrival of the left-back – who can also play in central defence – on a permanent deal.

The versatile defender originally started his career at Manchester United, for whom he made 12 senior appearances, while also spending time out on loan at Blackpool, Birmingham and Celtic.

This looks to be a really solid deal for Forest to secure in the build-up to what they hope will be another push for promotion next season.

Blackett’s experience and versatility at Championship level means that he can help cover a number of bases for Sabri Lamouchi’s side if there are any enforced absences in defence for the coming campaign, making the former Manchester United a valuable option to have, even if he may not be a regular starter behind the likes of Yuri Ribeiro.

Indeed, the fact that Blackett was a free agent, and therefore no transfer fee was required, means that this looks to be a smart move financially as well, and it is encouraging to see Forest moving relatively quickly in the window, with a number of their Championship rivals yet to make moves in the market.