HITC Sport understands that Middlesbrough and Derby County have seen offers for Michail Antonio rejected by Nottingham Forest.

Nottingham Forest have rejected bids from Derby County and Middlesbrough in the last 48 hours for their prized asset Michail Antonio, HITC Sport understands.

The 25-year-old has been linked with moves away from Forest all summer, with a number of Premier League sides linked but now it is the two favourites for promotion from the Championship that have stepped up to make offers.

Derby have offered straight cash while Middlesbrough are looking to temp them with a player-plus-cash deal offering Muzzy Carayol – a former Forest target – in exchange.

However, Forest have rebuffed their advances insisting he is not for sale, although HITC Sport has been told by sources close to the player that he would like the chance to talk to both clubs.

It now remains to be seen whether either Boro or Derby – who have already spent big this summer – will return with improved bids.

Coincidentally, Derby host Middlesbrough at Pride Park on Tuesday evening.

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