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Nottingham Forest trio Vladimir Stojkovic, Damien Perquis and Lica will almost certainly head out of the City Ground exit in the coming weeks, after being told they are free to find new clubs.

None of the group were included on the pre-season training camp in Florida and instead stayed behind to train at the Nigel Doughty Academy.

Confirmation that the trio have no future with the Reds is not shock news, with Mark Warburton having previously stated his intention to trim his City Ground squad.

The trio are unlikely to play any part when Forest's pre-season preparations continue with their first pre-season friendly on home soil, against Notts County at Meadow Lane on Wednesday.

Thomas Lam has been involved in pre-season preparations in the USA and will be given the opportunity to prove himself under Warburton and David Weir.

The Finland international, 23, did start 11 Championship games, while making eight further appearances off the bench and scoring two goals – and his versatility and ability to play in defence or midfield could see him remain a useful asset.

But another three of the signings overseen by Pedro Pereira and Philippe Montanier are set to depart.

Former Poland international Perquis, 33, is a victim of the strength in depth Forest possess in the centre of defence and will not add to the 17 Championship starts he made following his arrival from MLS side Toronto FC.

Stojkovic, who is also 33, made 20 Championship starts for the Reds after being drafted in as a replacement for Dorus de Vries, following his move north to Celtic. The Serbian international pulled off some smart saves and proved himself to be a good shot stopper, but could be erratic in his decision making.

Portuguese club Estoril are expected to confirm the permanent signing of Lica, following his loan move there in the second half of the campaign.

The 28-year-old's wages have been a slight stumbling block in agreeing a deal, but his departure is expected in the near future, with the winger having made only two Championship starts and three sub appearances.

With last season's loan signings having long departed, along with out of contract players Matty Fryatt and Daniel Pinillos, once the trio have been moved on, Forest will find themselves closer to the 20 to 22 man squad Warburton craves.

In the meantime, Middlesbrough, Burnley, Watford and Huddersfield are all keen on Forest striker Britt Assombalonga.

Both Middlesbrough and Burnley have made bids for the 24-year-old, who is understood to be keen to pursue a move away from the City Ground - particularly if he has the opportunity to test himself in the top flight.

Middlesbrough are willing to pay as much as £14m for the DR Congo international, but Burnley boss Sean Dyche is still keen on the £5.5m capture from Peterborough, as a potential replacement for Andre Gray.

And Burnley are expected to sweeten the deal with the offer of a player swap as part of the package, with full back or winger Tendayi Darikwa at the top of the list.

The Clarets had previously seen an £8m bid for Assombalonga rejected, but are ready to up the ante to get their man.