Nottingham Forest have made contact regarding the availability of Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, according to a report in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Falling out of favour

The centre-back made his breakthrough into Thomas Tuchel’s first team last season, clocking up 20 Premier League appearances, but the recent arrivals of Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella have pushed him down the pecking order.

It’s been reported that the Blues are willing to let the 23-year-old leave on loan this summer, and following a fresh update, it sounds as if he won’t be short of potential suitors, with attention being drawn from the City Ground.

The Latest: Forest make Chalobah enquiry

90min report that Forest have ‘contacted’ Chalobah’s representatives over a potential move, and would be ‘interested’ in signing him if he enters the market.

The Reds are set to face stiff competition for his services though, with Leeds, Everton, Southampton, Inter Milan and Roma also name-checked.

It’s claimed that a permanent exit from Stamford Bridge would be ‘unlikely’ as a result of him still having four years left on his contract.

The Verdict: Niakhate replacement

Moussa Niakhate has now been ruled out of action with injury for a few months, so it makes sense that Steve Cooper is looking for a central defensive replacement, and Chalobah has all the qualities to be a rock at the heart of the boss’ backline.

The 6 foot 2 colossus, dubbed a ‘monster’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, averaged an impressive 90.6% pass success rate for Chelsea last season, alongside making 2.1 clearances and two tackles per top-flight game, via WhoScored.

The Reds have already signed Dean Henderson on loan from Manchester United, and Chalobah could be the next to follow in his footsteps and make the temporary move from a Premier League giant.