By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

9th Sep, 2023 | 8:00am

Exclusive: Serge Aurier set to open Nottingham Forest talks

Nottingham Forest are considering opening talks with Serge Aurier over a new contract at the City Ground, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed discussions could take place before the New Year with Aurier’s current deal set to expire in June 2024.

The right-back, 30, only signed his last deal in June – but could be rewarded for his stellar early-season form.

That is despite competition arriving in a right-back berth in the form of World Cup winner Gonzalo Montiel and Ola Aina.

Ex-Tottenham defender Aurier was a surprise signing for Nottingham Forest when he returned to English football last summer (2022).

However, the Ivory Coast international has become a key man for Steve Cooper’s side – who avoided relegation to the Championship last term.

Aurier has started four of a possible five games so far this season and has already contributed two assists.

He made 28 appearances across all competitions for Forest last term and even captained Steve Cooper’s side on one occasion.

Aurier reached the landmark of 100 Premier League games last season after being released by Tottenham in August 2021.

The Lens youth product can play at right-back, centre-back and left-back – and has been a competent wing-back for Cooper in his time at the City Ground.

Joe Worrall became the latest player to pledge his future to Forest on Friday (8 September), signing a deal running until June 2026.

The Midlands club have won two of their opening four Premier League games and sit ninth in the table.

In other news, 30-year-old earning £110,000-a-week to be binned by top-flight outfit.