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A clutch of Championship clubs are interested in signing Eric Lichaj this summer – while the Nottingham Forest defender is also attracting attention from the MLS.

Hull, Bolton, Bristol City and QPR are all understood to be keen on the American defender, who is entering into the final year of his contract at the City Ground.

While newly relegated Stoke City could join the race for his signature, with Gary Rowett – who is expected to be confirmed as their new manager at any time – also said to be an admirer of Lichaj’s qualities.

The 29-year-old full back, who can play on either side of the back four, is a popular figure among fans, having followed up his player-of-the-season award 12 months ago, by bagging one of the goals of the campaign this time around, against Arsenal in the FA Cup, when he found the top corner with a volley from the edge of the box.

(Image: Dan Westwell)

Lichaj has made 178 starts and 12 sub appearances for Forest, since joining the club on a free transfer from Aston Villa in the summer of 2013 – and has scored six goals, most of which were hugely memorable, largely due to his joyous celebrations.

Forest are understood to be targeting a right back this summer and, with Tendayi Darikwa also on the books, Lichaj is among a group of players who would drop down the pecking order under Aitor Karanka next season, if they get all their transfer business done.

But Lichaj has proven himself to be a steady, reliable performer at this level and will not be short of potential suitors this summer, with several clubs in the MLS also willing to offer the Chicago born player a return to his homeland.

The hard working defender is under contract next season - and would get a further extension beyond that, if he made a certain number of first team appearances.

But it remains to be seen whether he would remain first choice, if Forest's transfer plans come to fruition.

Lichaj is currently away on international duty with the USA, where he will hope to be part of the team that faces Bolivia in Philadelphia on Monday.

And hopes to continue making a positive impression on interim manager Dave Sarachan.

“Any time I get called into the U.S. national team or a U.S. camp, I don’t take it for granted,” Lichaj told the Delaware County Times.

“It’s something that hopefully I’m giving a good impression to the coaches in how I conduct myself. I’m just hoping to continue that and hopefully I can play as many games as I can.

“I’ve just got to keep myself fit and do everything right. I still have a year left there (at Forest) and this will help me out, keep myself fit and training with some really good players, so that’ll help my cause.”