Nottingham Forest have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Sam Byram, with Sam Inkersole of Football.London reporting that the £30k-per-week defender could join West Bromwich Albion this summer. Byram impressed on loan at Forest last season and is a No.1 target to strengthen the defence.
Martin O’Neill only has Tendayi Darikwa to choose from at right-back next season after Byram and Saidy Janko returned to their respective parent clubs. Forest aren’t having much luck bringing Byram back to the City Ground, however, and could now miss out on him completely.
Slaven Bilic was recently appointed West Brom manager and could bring a number of players from his old club (West Ham) to his new one. Byram would be a real asset at the Hawthorns, having impressed in the Championship with multiple clubs, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if the pair renewed acquaintances.
The news is a blow for the Reds, however. O’Neill may have to turn his attentions elsewhere to strengthen at right-back. Jayden Richardson could be in line for promotion to the first-team after impressing with the u23s, but Forest could also shop in the transfer market.
Byram is likely to have a lot of interest from clubs in the Championship and potentially the Premier League, so Forest risk falling down the pecking order after their poor end to last season.
