Derby transfer news: Rams eye controversial move for Forest star Henri Lansbury
The Forest play maker is out contract at the season with club keen to thrash out new deal but Derby are monitoring the situation
DERBY could raid bitter local rivals Nottingham Forest for Henri Lansbury, SunSport understands.
Under fire Forest boss Philippe Montanier is eager to keep hold of his play maker as he look to steer Forest clear of the Championship relegation zone.
The 26-year-old has been a regular for Forest since moving to the City Ground from Arsenal in 2012.
Lansbury has also been linked with a shock move to Watford where he enjoyed a season on loan in 2009.
Lansbury is out of contract at Forest at the end of the season and while it has been reported he is keen to extend his stay in the East Midlands, he could stay in the area by making the shock move to local rivals Derby.
Any potential suitors could pay a nominal fee for the Forest midfielder, the player could also sit tight and leave on a free next summer if a new deal at Forest fails to materialise.
Birmingham City have been monitoring the former Arsenal man's situation, Lansbury has made 16 appearances for the Championship side this season scoring six goals.
SunSport understands the Forest skipper is open to a potential move down the road to the iPro stadium in order to aid the Rams with their push for Premier League promotion.
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The nation of Lansbury considering the switch to arch rivals Derby could cause outrage among Forest fans who would want the club captain to lead them out of the mess the club currently find themselves in.
Forest are in danger of being dragged into a relegation scrap with just four wins in their last 17 League games with head coach Montanier under serious pressure to hold on to his job.
The last player to make the controversial move between the clubs was Jamie Ward who joined Forest on a free transfer following his release from Derby in 2015.