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Nottingham Forest have reportedly won the race to sign Manchester City goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.

The Reds were said to be battling with Championship rivals Preston North End for the 20-year-old’s signature.

But according to The Sun, Muric will sign a season-long loan deal at the City Ground after City boss Pep Guardiola “cleared his exit”.

The Kosovo international started last term on loan at NAC Breda, in the Eredivisie, but was recalled early to cover for an injury to Claudio Bravo.

Muric went on to make six appearances for the Sky Blues in 2018/19, five of those in the League Cup and one for the Under-21s side in the Checkatrade Trophy.

With the return of Bravo, it is said he would be pushed back down the pecking order for the upcoming campaign, leaving his club eager to secure the youngster some game time.

(Image: Getty)

Earlier this month, Forest boss Martin O’Neill and goalkeeping coach Seamus McDonagh were spotted watching a European Championship qualifier between Bulgaria and Kosovo – with Muric between the posts for his country as they triumphed 3-2.

The report in The Sun states: “Man City are sending top goalkeeping prospect Aro Muric on a season-long loan to Nottingham Forest.

“Kosovo international Muric heads to Martin O’Neill’s Championship side to play regular games after City boss Pep Guardiola cleared his exit.”

Costel Pantilimon was first-choice custodian for the Reds last season, with Luke Steele as back-up, while Jordan Smith had a spell on loan at Mansfield Town.