Nottingham Forest are now preparing to offer a player that Nuno Espirito Santo viewed as integral a new contract.

The Reds have already moved quickly since the season finished to tie down some players.

Ola Aina and Willy Boly have both put pen to paper on new contracts and will remain at the City Ground next season.

The Reds are likely to have a summer where they have to fend off interest in some of their star players.

Now, it would appear, however, as though one player is on the list of players that Forest would like to keep beyond this summer.

Forest to offer new contract to Ryan Yates

In true Ryan Yates style, he stepped up when it really mattered last season, captaining the team to safety in the closing weeks.

There is still an argument that he needs to influence games even more but his heart and desire aren’t in question.

Now, Daniel Taylor has done a Q&A with The Athletic and shared that Yates will be offered a new deal with Forest.

He said: “Ryan Yates is due to be offered a new contract.

“His current deal expires next year and Forest need to get him signed up. I would imagine he’d be keen to stay.

“But he is also entitled to expect a higher salary given his status as the captain and longest-serving player.

“I know he can divide opinion sometimes but it’s not fair, ultimately, that he is one of the lower-paid players and there are people at the club earning three or four times his salary.”

Yates must kick on again next season

At 26 years old, it feels like Yates has been around Forest forever, but he must continue striving for consistency.

Okay, Yates doesn’t have a role in the team where he’s expected to stick shots in the top corner from 20 yards every week but more can be done.

In the Premier League, it’s not enough to simply run around a lot and there must be a more methodical approach to his work in midfield.

He has had some good performances in the top flight, with Jamie Carragher calling Yates ‘fantastic’ in January 2023 following a draw with Chelsea.

Given his age, there is time on his side but with good central midfielders in the squad, he knows he must maintain a strong performance level.

Danilo was brilliant during the second half of last season, with Nicolas Dominguez also enjoying a decent season.

Furthermore, Ibrahim Sangare is still at the club and he might improve next season with a full pre-season under his belt.

With Yates currently the captain, it’s probably wise to get him signed up to a new deal and it will be interesting to see when this is on the cards.