League One side Mansfield Town are in advanced talks with Premier League Nottingham Forest over a loan move for their centre forward Joe Gardner.
The Republic of Ireland under-21 international spent the second half of last season with Lincoln City in the third tier.
According to Pete O’Rourke, the 20-year-old is set for another stint in League One, with Nigel Clough keen to tap into his Forest roots with the aim to strengthen his Mansfield side.
Mansfield Town Target Premier League Striker
After a season of consolidation in 2024/25, Mansfield will be keen to make strides ahead of the new campaign. The Stags finished 17th in their first season back in League One.
As they look to challenge higher up the table next term, Nigel Clough is determined to add to his attacking options.
The Nottingham Forest club legend looks set to add Joe Gardner to his ranks, having reportedly agreed on loan terms to bring him to The One Call Stadium.
The Mansfield fans were certainly entertained last season, having scored 60 league goals and shipped 73. In a bid to instill greater consistency, the board is utilising the loan market.
How did he fare last season?
Having graduated from the Nottingham Forest Academy, Gardner spent time as an unused substitute on various occasions during Premier League matches last season.
After signing a new deal with Nuno Espírito Santo’s team in January, Gardner embarked on his first loan move to gain more experience.
He featured 11 times for Lincoln City, helping the Imps to an 11th-placed finish. He registered one goal during his spell with Michael Skubala’s team, a low strike in a 4-1 victory over Crawley Town at Sincil Bank.
Prior to his first stint away from his boyhood club, he scored six times in Premier League 2 for Nottingham Forest’s youth side in the 2024/25 campaign.
Nottingham Forest Prepared to Loan Gardner
With European football set to return to the City Ground next season for the first time since 1995, squad depth has never been more crucial for Nuno Espírito Santo.
Therefore, it may come as a surprise to many Forest supporters to see the club prepared to part with their highly rated young players. Especially considering Gardner’s regular appearances in the matchday squad last term.
That being said, it’s a deal that undoubtedly aids in Gardner’s development, allowing for more playing time in the competitive nature of League One.
The Nigel Clough connection between the two Nottinghamshire-based football clubs suggests this deal could be an exciting prospect for all parties.