New Ryan Yates twist as Nottingham Forest boss confirms Portsmouth interest

Nottingham Forest boss Aitor Karanka has countered Kenny Jackett's claim that Pompey are not interested in Ryan Yates.

By The Newsroom

Published 20th Dec 2018, 16:54 BST

Updated 10th Jan 2019, 10:30 BST

The Blues boss told The News today that there was '˜nothing' inÂ reports linking him with a move for the City Ground midfielder.

It was the second time this month that Jackett denied any desire to bring the player to Fratton Park.

Speculation hasÂ been mounting that the Blues were interested in signingÂ the Â£500,000-rated player, with a possible loan deal in the offing.

Jackett's latest denial appeared to put any notion of a move to bed.

That was until Karanka was questioned onÂ the player during his press conference ahead of Forest's Championship game against QPR.

Asked about the 21-year-old's future and the Pompey link by BBC Nottinghamshire, the Spaniard said: '˜I think it would be good for him... because his next step is very important for him.

'˜There are more teams (than Portsmouth interested in him).'