"Would be great" - Stoke City backed to strike Nottingham Forest deal | OneFootball

FLW's Stoke City fan pundit has given his verdict on links with Nottingham Forest youngster Adam Berry

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Stoke City are eyeing a move for Nottingham Forest youngster Adam Berry this summer.

According to Teamtalk, the Potters are among the sides monitoring the situation surrounding the 19-year-old, with Mark Robins’ side also facing competition from the likes of Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers, as well as Belgian club Westerlo.

Berry has yet to break into the Forest first team squad, and has reportedly turned down a new contract offer as he looks to prioritise game time with his next career move, with the teenager yet to make his senior debut.

The youngster is capable of playing in the no.10 role, or out wide as a winger, and has earned plaudits for his performances in the Premier League 2 this season for the Reds, having also come through the Manchester United academy system before the switch to the City Ground.

Adam Berry Stoke verdict

When asked about the prospect of signing Berry, FLW’s Stoke fan pundit Sam Harrison claimed it would be a positive move for the club.

He believes it would be one for the future, highlighting the success of younger players in the squad like Nathan Lowe and Emre Tezgel as examples the Forest starlet can look to follow if he joins.

“I think with him, it’s clearly one where you’re looking for the future,” Harrison told Football League World.

“But, I think it’s positive, and I think it’s one where maybe he’ll come in, say in the summer, and have a pre-season under the likes of Mark Robins and he’ll be able to see what he’s like.

“But I think it’s one where we’re bringing in that kind of player where you’re kind of bringing a closeness between the U21s and the first team.

“We’ve seen a number of players make that step up, Emre Tezgel, Nathan Lowe, Sol Sidibe, so many of them players Stoke have then been able to build on and you’re looking on at the likes of Nathan Lowe, who obviously went out on loan at Walsall and absolutely flourished.

“I think a player like Adam Berry, who is at a team like Stoke is going to get his chance if Mark Robins sees that potential, then I think that would be great to see.

“Especially a player that’s versatile, can either play in midfield or on the wing, that’s obviously something that will be a huge tick for Mark Robins.

“I just think it’s one where maybe he’s not going to instantly come into the side, but I think the way Stoke have been recently, you look at the average age of the squad, and the proof’s in the pudding.”

Berry would be welcome at Stoke

Harrison believes that Berry will get his chance under Robins, suggesting it’s a deal that could work well for all parties if it came to fruition.

“He is going to get his chance if Mark Robins sees it in him, and you look at how he plays, he's a confident player, has been in United’s academy and obviously Forest’s as well,” he continued.

“And I think it’s one where if he can keep that confidence, and if Stoke can maintain that confidence like they’ve done with Tezgel and Lowe, then hopefully he’s able to flourish, if we do bring him in.

“But, yeah, I think it would be a welcome addition, and it’s one where it’s nice to see how we can build that link-up between the U21s and the first team, which I think Stoke have done really well, and I think he’ll be another example where Stoke can just build that relationship even more.

“And obviously bring in players where they feel, say if Stoke have injuries in a season, players like him are going to get that chance.

“Obviously, bringing him in now and being able to see how he can work, can be a much more positive thing.

“So, I think it would be something that Stoke should be welcome to, and obviously being in the Championship as well you’re going to get them opportunities, and say it is a permanent I think it is one where it’s a lot more positive, and there’s a lot more of a positive spin on it.”

Stoke are currently 20th in the Championship table, two points clear of the bottom three with only five games remaining.

Berry could be a shrewd investment by Stoke

Berry hasn’t broken into senior football yet, but there is a lot of excitement growing around his potential.

This is a great opportunity for the Potters to bring in another young player and give them a chance at senior level.

This model has been quite successful in the Championship, with clubs like Sunderland in particular gaining a lot by putting their faith in youth.

This could be the right path forward for Stoke, but first they must prioritise staying up in these final games before they can be sure about signing someone like Berry.