Sunderland eyeing up Nottingham Forest defender - he would cost £0 as contract expiry nears | OneFootball

Sunderland AFC are among the clubs interested in Nottingham Forest full-back Harry Toffolo

Sunderland AFC are among the clubs interested in Nottingham Forest full-back Harry Toffolo, who is set to become a free agent at the end of June.

As per journalist Alan Nixon on his Patreon, the 29-year-old is preparing to leave Forest after his contract expires, with Old Firm side Rangers also showing interest in the defender - along with the Black Cats.

Toffolo joined Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2022 as part of a double deal with midfielder Lewis O'Brien from Huddersfield Town - with the combined transfer apparently worth around £10m.

The 2024/2025 season has been particularly challenging for the defender, with only four Premier League appearances to his name all season - his first start came in late April, a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

Nottingham Forest exit looms for Harry Toffolo, Sunderland interested

Nixon reports that Toffolo is "set to quit Nottingham Forest" this summer after minimal playing time toward the back-end of the past 2024/2025 season.

The left-back - who will turn 30 in August - is reportedly wanting regular game time as his three-year spell at the City Ground comes to an end.

Along with Rangers, who are reportedly emerging as a prominent suitor for the former Terriers favourite, Sunderland are also among those in the race for Toffolo's signature.

The Black Cats are one of several English clubs monitoring the situation as they'll be looking to strengthen their squad with proven top-flight experience - after gaining promotion via the play-offs after an eight-year absence.

Sunderland aren't the only English side interested in securing Toffolo's services - with FLW revealing that both Coventry City and Norwich City have the player as a potential target last month.

There obviously appears to be no room for Toffolo in Forest's plans next season - as they prepare for European football - so with the reports of him quitting, it certainly creates an opportunity for Sunderland - who could potentially offer the defender more game time at the highest level.

The coming weeks will likely see more developments, with Rangers' interest perhaps forcing Sunderland and the others interested to act swiftly before the Scottish giants make their move.