Nottingham Forest's marquee signing this summer will be a centre-back, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

The City Ground outfit had the second best defensive record in the Championship last season, but Talbot reckons the step up in quality to the Premier League will force Steve Cooper to spend big.

What's the latest news involving Nottingham Forest?

If Cooper continues playing a back three next season, the Forest boss will not only need numbers at the back, but he'll need to add quality to his squad.

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His preferred trio of centre defenders during the second half of the campaign was Scott McKenna, Steve Cook, and Joe Worrall, although Cook's the only one of those three to have previously played in the Premier League.

Therefore, Cooper needs experience and quality in his backline if he wants Forest to avoid their first season back in the top-flight for 23 years ending in relegation.

With Brice Samba set to leave after rejecting a contract extension, the Midlands outfit are keen on signing Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson as a replacement on a loan, while they've also been linked with deals for Red Devils teammate James Garner, and Keinan Davis.

But Talbot reckons that a centre-back is a priority position for Cooper as he looks to build a squad capable of being competitive at Premier League level.

What did Talbot say about Nottingham Forest?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "I've been told they are prioritising a central defender as their marquee signing. But, for now, they'll be focusing on getting some of them loan deals tied down, with Garner and Davis as well."

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Have Nottingham Forest been linked with any centre-backs?

According to reports in Turkey, Forest are interested in signing Attila Szalai, who's a Hungary international and played 90 minutes in both recent wins over England, while he plays his club football for Fenerbahce.

Forest face competition from Fulham and Newcastle, although they're also being linked with two English-based centre-backs.

Alasdair Gold revealed the Reds are keen on Joe Rodon, who has worked under Cooper previously at Swansea, while Dean Jones told GiveMeSport last month there's a 'possibility' Forest sign Jamaal Lascelles, who came through the academy at the City Ground before signing for Newcastle in 2014.