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Joe Lolley has been linked with a move from Nottingham Forest to Aston Villa.

That might have fans in a panic as he is Forest's best player. He was undoubtedly the star performer of last season with 12 goals and 11 assists.

That has consequences, when it comes to other teams taking note.

The winger signed a new contract earlier this year and has given no indication he wants to leave, quite the opposite in fact.

However, the chance to play for your boyhood club in the Premier League might well be too much to resist. A big fee for him might help take the club forwards, when it comes to Martin O'Neill signing players.

Joe had a really good season. You could take the chance and turn down bids for him, but if his head is turned - and I'm not saying it has been - you don't want to keep players at the club against their will.

When Forest sold Britt Assombalonga in July 2017, they reinvested that money. There was nothing they could to stop him going after Middlesbrough met his £15m release clause.

The key thing was that they were able to strengthen the squad on the back of him going.

The same could happen here if Joe does go.

A £10m fee is being talked about. I think he's probably worth a bit more than that in the modern climate.

To me, it all comes down to whether Joe wants to go or not, if a bid comes in.

(Image: Dan Westwell)

Players want to better themselves and you can't stop them. If Aston Villa were still in the Championship it would be a totally different matter from my point of view.

They're not though. They're in the Premier League and that changes things - especially as he is an Aston Villa supporter.

Not a David Cameron type fan who is said to get confused between Villa and West Ham, but a proper fan.

That would be a factor in his decision too if it comes to it.

I could understand why he would want to go. Is he good enough for the Premier League?

You don't know until you get a proper go at it. He went up with Huddersfield and didn't play as much as he would have wanted.

Huddersfield were very defensive and I don't think that suited his style when he played. It would be a different case at Villa under Dean Smith.

I think they'll have a go next season even if it's a big step up from the Championship.

If he did go, I would have no qualms with him. Everyone wants to do the best they can in their chosen profession.

In football, that means playing in the Premier League.

It's possible to replace him with a good player for a bargain fee. It's harder these days because scouting is so sophisticated now.

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Teams are less willing to take a chance, but there are players out there who can step up a league or two.

Look at Dele Alli. He went from MK Dons straight into the Tottenham team and is now a fixture for England.

Good players can be replaced. You don't want them to go.

Forest fans would be delighted if Joe Lolley stays.

He is one of the best players in the Championship, but sometimes good players leave.

What happens after that is the most important thing.

It's a cliche, but no one person is bigger than Nottingham Forest.