Exclusive: Leif Davis "problem" raised as Nottingham Forest plot Ipswich Town transfer | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie says losing Leif Davis to Nottingham Forest would be a "massive blow" for Ipswich after his standout Premier League season.

Nottingham Forest are actively pursuing Ipswich Town full-back Leif Davis ahead of the summer window.

Former Aston Villa midfielder and Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie believes losing the 25-year-old would be a "massive blow" for the Tractor Boys.

"A really consistent performer" - Hendrie assesses Forest's move for Davis

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie was asked as to just what it means for Ipswich to potentially lose Davis over the summer, as Forest eye one of Ipswich's standout performers in both the Championship and Premier League, as per reports from TWTD.

"I think it would be a big blow for Ipswich, I really do," said Hendrie exclusively to FLW.

"He is an attack-minded full-back, he's got good creativity about him, assist-wise, and he likes to get forward. He's been really consistent in what he does, and I think he can be another good coup for Forest, I really do."

The defender, who turned 25 earlier this year, has been a central figure in Ipswich's rise under Kieran McKenna, continuing to impress even amid the struggles of top-flight survival.

Premier League lure could prove too strong

Davis was among Ipswich's most dependable players in their maiden Premier League campaign, delivering a string of energetic displays down the left and chipping in with key assists, a hallmark of his game since his arrival at Portman Road.

Hendrie believes that consistency hasn't gone unnoticed:

"When clubs take the step-up to the Premier League, a lot of sides staying up start looking at players who can perform week in, week out. Davis has shown he can do that. Left-backs like him are hard to come by."

Ipswich face challenge to keep core intact

With relegation confirmed, Ipswich now face the difficult task of keeping hold of players who've proven their ability at the top level. Hendrie believes Davis' exposure in the Premier League will only increase interest.

"This is the problem for these clubs that get relegated," he said. "Their big players who've had a taste of Premier League football, they get attracted by other Premier League clubs."

Davis has already been linked with multiple top-flight sides, but Forest's early interest could give them the edge as they look to bolster their options at full-back under Nuno Espírito Santo.