'He's a great kid' - former managers rave about Nottingham Forest target Harrison Reed

Nottingham Forest are understood to be considering a move for Southampton midfielder Harrison Reed.

While Jack Colback remains Forest's primary target in the centre of the pitch, they have drawn up a list of alternatives in case a deal for the Newcastle midfielder eludes them.

England Under-20 midfielder Reed is understood to be one of those targets, either on loan or perhaps a permanent deal, although Forest could face competition from Premier League sides Burnley and Norwich.

Reed already has Championship experience after loan spells at both Norwich and Blackburn.

Here, we take a look at what the manager of those club had to say about the 24-year-old.

'He's a great kid' - Tony Mowbray

Reed scored three goals in 28 games for Blackburn last season before suffering an injury which ended his season a month early.

He was used in midfield, as a wing back and at full back. Mowbray liked what he saw in terms of ability and character.

"He integrated into the group really well," Mowbray told the Blackburn website. "He's a similar age to a lot of the players - he liked them and they liked him.

"The flexibility around his position was important to us and not to get too up tight about centre midfield, because we could play him off both sides or at full-back if we needed to.

"I think he played a lot of football and for a young guy he's contributed well for us this year and at his best he was as good a footballer as we've got.

"He's a great kid, he took advice, he listened, didn't moan when he got left on the sidelines, we all enjoyed his company and it's a bit frustrating for him and for us that he's left just before the end of the season."

'I loved him as a player but also his personality' - Daniel Farke

Reed spent the 2017/18 season at Norwich, scoring once in 43 games. Like Mowbray, Farke is full of praise.

Speaking before the Canaries faced Blackburn last season, the German said he is still in contact with Reed.

"I loved him as a player but also his personality, he was a great guy to have around at the training ground,” Farke said of Reed, who has mostly been playing on the right of midfield for Rovers.

“I spoke in the summer and said that I was pretty sad that he had to return to Southampton and I’m pleased for him that he is there, he plays in a slightly more offensive role than compared to his roles with us.

“He is there with some assists and goals, and we are still joking about, still have contact sometimes, when he gets a goal, some congratulations from me."