BILLY Davies has told top scorer Billy Sharp he does want to bring him back to Nottingham Forest.
The Reds boss met with all his players individually last week, to discuss his plans and their futures.
The 27-year-old striker has officially returned to parent club Southampton, following his season long loan at the City Ground.
Sharp netted 11 goals for Forest but had been in and out of the side since Davies returned – with Darius Henderson replacing him in the starting XI following his return from suspension as the season reached a dramatic finale against Leicester.
But Davies has told the player he is keen to bring him back to the club next season, as he plots another push for promotion.
The Scotsman is set to discuss budgets with club owner and chairman Fawaz Al Hasawi – which could influence whether Forest attempt to sign Sharp on loan again or bid to sign the former Scunthorpe, Sheffield United and Doncaster man permanently. But the popular front-man is very much part of Davies' future plans and could yet return to the club next season.
"Fawaz and I will sit down and discuss the vision, budgets and what is necessary to move forward," Davies told the club website.
"We'll put a plan in place regarding new signings, targets and restructuring the football club.
"The intention, the desire and the ambition of the Al Hasawi family is to take this club to the Premier League. That's what we'll try to do as quickly as possible. It's what this club, these fans and owners deserve."
Forest are also poised to offer a new deal to striker Henderson, who signed on a short-term contract from Millwall in January.
Davies must also decide whether to make a move for the other loan signings. The manager has already stated his desire to bring Chelsea defender Sam Hutchinson back.
Elliott Ward is available on a free transfer when his Norwich contract expires, although the club seem less likely to make a bid for his Canaries team mate Daniel Ayala, who has rarely figured under Davies.
Forest may also look to sign West Brom defender Gonzalo Jara.
Meanwhile, Lewis McGugan may have played his last game for Forest, with a string of clubs, led by newly promoted Cardiff City, looking to snap him up on a free transfer.
John Pemberton has joined Sean O'Driscoll at Bristol City, as assistant manager. The 47-year-old had been development coach during O'Driscoll's Forest tenure.
O'Driscoll's staff also includes director of football Keith Burt, who also left the Reds a few months ago.
