Nottingham Forest are optimistic that Ola Aina will commit his long-term future to the club, with a new contract believed to be close as his current deal edges toward its final months.
Softfootball understands that the Nigeria international would otherwise be free to negotiate with clubs outside England from the start of next year, before becoming available as a free agent next summer, a scenario Forest are eager to avoid.
According to reports, discussions between the two parties are progressing well, with a new deal and a significant pay rise reportedly on the table for the 28-year-old full-back.
Aina joined Forest on a free transfer last summer, and the club subsequently triggered the one-year option in his contract ahead of the current campaign, a decision that now looks like it’s paying off.
He’s scored twice in 34 league appearances under Nuno Espirito Santo, establishing himself as a reliable presence in the side and a player the club clearly wants to build around going forward.
