Nottingham Forest join race for Liverpool star after banking £55m for Anthony Elanga

Ben Doak could leave Liverpool this summer if their £25m valuation is met

Nottingham Forest have joined the race for Ben Doak after registering their interest in the Liverpool teenager. Doak was a revelation on loan at Middlesbrough last season, scoring three goals and racking up seven assists in the Championship. And his performances have caught the attention of Forest, who have cash to burn after selling Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United.

The Tricky Trees secured European football after finishing seventh last season. But manager Nuno Espirito Santo saw one of his best players nabbed when Elanga moved to the north-east in a £55million deal last week. With a vacancy open on the right wing, bosses at the City Ground have identified Doak as one of the options to fill it.

The likes of Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Everton made enquiries about Doak earlier this summer. Brentford, meanwhile, retain a long-standing interest in the 19-year-old which stretches back at least 12 months.

Express Sport understands that Forest are one of the latest teams to throw their hat into the ring after banking the cash from Elanga's big-money sale. PSV Eindhoven are another club keen on Doak, who also has admirers in Spain.

It is understood that the youngster would be open to leaving Liverpool after enjoying his first taste of regular football with Boro last campaign. And the Reds would be open to selling Doak for a large sum, thought to be at least £25m.

Doak arrived at Anfield in 2022 after making his senior Celtic debut at the age of 16. He has made 10 appearances for the Reds and came off the bench during Sunday's pre-season win over Preston North End, but opportunities for game time in Arne Slot's wide positions are hard to come by.

Forest have already signed defender Jair Cunha and centre-forward Igor Jesus from Botafogo this summer, while David Carmo will effectively be a new addition to the squad after spending last season on loan at Olympiacos.

Forest got their pre-season campaign underway with a goalless draw against Chesterfield on Saturday. They will pit their wits against AS Monaco this coming weekend before jetting off to a training camp in Portugal, which will include further friendlies against Fulham and Estoril.

Doak would have big shoes to fill if he is drafted in to replace Elanga at the City Ground after the Swede scored six goals and set up 11 more in the Premier League last term.