Football
Exclusive: Nottingham Forest Left-Back Harry Toffolo in Talks with Burnley and Sunderland
Sunderland and Burnley are keen on signing Nottingham Forest full-back Harry Toffolo on a free transfer. The 29-year-old is looking for regular playing time after a frustrating season. With Premier League experience, he is a sought-after player for both clubs.
Tottenham Hotspur FC v Nottingham Forest FC - Premier League by Visionhaus | Getty Images
Nottingham Forest full-back Harry Toffolo is wanted by Burnley and Sunderland on a free transfer, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
Our sources have learnt that left-back Toffolo has already held initial discussions with both clubs about a permanent move when his contract expires at the end of this month.
Toffolo, 29, joined Forest in July 2022 on a two-year deal, but dropped down the pecking order under Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
Last season the former Huddersfield Town, Millwall and Lincoln City defender played just four times in the Premier League and is now desperate to play regular football after a frustrating season on the sidelines.
The former England Under-21 international joined Forest in a joint deal with midfielder Lewis O’Brien from Town for £10million.
But after 57 appearances for the club, Forest announced this week that Toffolo is free to pursue offers from new clubs.
And SportsBoom understands Toffolo has been speaking to a number of potential new clubs, with the desire to still play in the Premier League burning bright.
PREMIER LEAGUE PEDIGREE
Toffolo enjoyed three seasons in the Premier League with Forest, playing 46 games across those campaigns.
But last season he was starved of playing opportunities and played just seven games all season in all competitions.
A former League Two title-winner, Toffolo is now ready for a new challenge and excited in the interest in him.
Sunderland and Burnley are both working hard to strengthen their squads ahead of what promises to be a real baptism of fire back in the big time next season.
And as a free transfer, barring agreeing personal terms, Toffolo provides an exciting proposition.
A source close to the player said: “Harry wants to play regular football. He’s got lots of Premier League experience and wants to play at the highest level."
“He’s enjoyed his time at Nottingham Forest and is now looking for a new exciting challenge.”
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.