Nottingham Forest are considering going back in for Tom Watson.
That’s according to The Sun, who have reported that Forest are considering making a move in January for the Sunderland youngster.
Watson has really impressed for the U-18 side in recent years, netting 13 goals and providing seven assists in only 32 matches in the U-18 Premier League.
The 17-year-old made his senior debut for Sunderland when he came off the bench against Huddersfield Town last season, however he is yet to force his way into the first team set-up on a regular basis.
There was talk over whether Watson could leave his boyhood club this summer after he didn’t feature during pre-season, however he has now committed his future to the Black Cats and has signed his first professional contract on Wearside.
Despite that, Forest are still interested in signing the teenager after they were one of a number of clubs targeting him over the summer.
Steve Cooper’s side previously valued Watson at £300,000, but are prepared to cough up more cash following his contract extension.
Tom Watson surely won’t be joining Nottingham Forest
It seems very unlikely that Watson would leave Sunderland now after penning a new deal with the club, especially given the success of fellow academy graduate Chris Rigg.
Watson clearly understands that this is the best place for his development and he could force his way into the senior team over the next couple of years, while his chances at the City Ground would be very limited.
The winger currently has the likes of Jack Clarke, Patrick Roberts and Abdoullah Ba to battle for his place in the squad, however he could well add to his appearances in cup competitions and cameos from the bench as the fixtures stack up.