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Nottingham Forest are still keen to bring Lee Tomlin back to the City Ground next season – but their best chance of doing so may be a loan deal.

Aitor Karanka remains keen to be reunited with the player he brought the best out of during their time together at Middlesbrough.

While Tomlin has previously publicly stated that he would be keen to prove himself in the top flight, he is not understood to be a key part of Neil Warnock’s plans, as the Welsh side return to the Premier League.

And, in the meantime, he is also open to the idea of a return to Forest and the prospect of starting a fresh chapter under a manager he knows and trusts.

(Image: Dan Westwell)

But, following Cardiff’s promotion, Tomlin – along with many of the Bluebirds squad – secured a significant pay hike as a result. Tomlin is under contract at Cardiff until 2020 – now on a far more lucrative wage packet.

And, while a permanent switch is not impossible, the most likely solution looks increasingly likely to be a loan move, if Cardiff are willing to contribute a portion of his wages to subsidise the move.

This could require Forest to be patient in their pursuit of the 29-year-old, although the situation is also likely to deter the majority of other Championship clubs from making a permanent move for the former Bristol City, Bournemouth and Peterborough United player, for similar reasons.

Tomlin made a positive impact at the City Ground after joining on loan in January, scoring four goals in 12 starts and three substitute appearances, with his exciting, unpredictable performances prompting fans to make comparisons to former Reds favourite Andy Reid.