Why Forest Must Keep Brereton

Nottingham Forest have often failed to retain the services of their young talents but that has to change with striking sensation Ben Brereton, who has the capability of becoming one of the finest strikers within the Championship.

Just 18-years-old, the teenager has already caught the eye with exceptional performances this season- including a stand-out display in the FA Cup third round victory against defending champions Arsenal, inflicting the first ever exit at that stage for experienced Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

His goal from the spot helped to put Forest into the fourth round and continued what has been a fine month for the teenager. He`s made 21 appearances in all competitions this season, including 11 starts in the Championship, but all of his three goals have come since the start of December.

Brereton came off the bench to score a vital goal in the 3-2 win over struggling Bolton at the start of the month, then netting against Preston in a 1-1 draw a few weeks later. Now, he`s established as a crucial player and Forest cannot afford to lose him.

His development in the remainder of the season will be crucial as seven-goal Daryl Murphy is now 34 and well into the twilight years of his career. In modern football, signing talented strikers is often expensive but Forest can save themselves the trouble by retaining Brereton`s services.

His performances over the course of the past month have certainly turned heads but the reality is that other sides will struggle to provide the young striker with the opportunities he deserves, particularly if he`s lured to a side that`s within the Premier League.

Forest need to prove to Brereton that they`re a club that remains the best fit for him, making it clear he will continue to have chances to shine at the City Ground, but Aitor Karanka also needs to show the club`s intent to impress.

It`s been a difficult few years at the City Ground, with Forest failing to show the capacity to push for a long awaited return to the Premier League and the only way that`s going to change is by investing within the squad.

Forest have been tight with their money throughout their history, never spending in excess of £10m on a player and spending over £5m just twice, but that needs to change if the club are to compete in the modern landscapes of football.

The Championship is full of big sides who believe they should be in the Premier League, including the likes of Leeds United, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough, who have all shown a willingness to spend, and Forest need to follow in their footsteps if they`re to realistically challenge near the top.

Forest will certainly save money in the transfer market due to their continued success in bleeding young talents like Brereton into the first-team but those developing stars need to be given time and need help from more experienced or more established players.

By keeping Brereton and investing in other areas within the squad, Forest could certainly be in the promotion picture next season but a continuation of the current trend, with Brereton sold and the funds not invested back into the squad, will see Forest remain just about keeping their head above water.