Forest set for talks with Clarets target Lansbury

Freedman is set for discussions with the 24-year-old and chairman Fawaz Al Hawasi, with the former Arsenal man potentially travelling north to then hold talks with Burnley as early as today.

Freedman said: “Henri’s opinion will count for a lot. I have to look after the interests of the football club, of myself and of the player – so there are three people who matter in this.

“I will make the decision with the chairman, over what is best for Forest. You have to take into consideration what the player wants as well. But we also need to balance the books while making sure we remain strong as a team.

“We are looking short in midfield, with Ben Osborn out with food poisoning as well, along with Robert Tesche’s injury. So that has to be a factor. But we also need a competitive edge on the pitch. The bid has not been rejected. We have noted that they have made a bid and we will get back to them with an answer, when I have had a talk with the chairman and with Henri.

“The final decision will lie with me, this club will always come first. We do not need money; we do not need to sell him. But we have to do what is right.”

A senior Forest executive revealed to the Nottingham media on Monday night that Burnley’s bid had been accepted, only for Fawaz to refute the claim later on Twitter,