Nottingham Forest are the latest club to be linked with Manchester City striker Shaun Goater.

Goater (33) has been told he can leave Premiership City after making it clear he wanted regular first team football.

Since the announcement towards the end of last season, no club have made a firm offer for the Bermudian who is reported to have had a ?1-million price tag put on his head.

However, there have been constant rumours surrounding possible destinations with Sunderland appearing to lead the list of potential suitors following manager Mick McCarthy's comments last Friday.

The boss of the side relegated from the Premiership last season spoke of his admiration for Goater and hinted he would be interested in the prolific goalscorer if he could offload some of his current strikers.

Yesterday, the newspaper said Forest manager Paul Hart was keen on taking Goater to the City Ground - home of another First Division side.

The report did not contain any official comment from the club but said: "Talks have not yet been held with the Bermudan () striker . . . but Forest have declared their interest."

Forest are in the market for a goal-hungry striker after they released Jack Lester at the end of last season. He yesterday joined division rivals Sheffield United.

Currently, Forest only have three strikers - Marlon Harewood, David Johnson and 18-year-old Craig Westcarr - and more competition is needed if the club are to mount a serious promotion challenge next season.

Though City have said they want a fee for Goater, many pundits believe the Blues may be prepared to cut their losses and save on his wages by releasing him on a free transfer as the start of the new campaign nears.