NOTTINGHAM Forest are close to completing a deal to sign Hull defender Jack Hobbs on loan for the season - with a view to a permanent move in the future.
The 24-year-old is understood to have agreed to the move, which is expected to be confirmed within the next 24 hours, barring any late issues.
Hobbs will initially sign on loan, with a two-year-deal understood to be on the table beyond that. Hobbs was part of the Tigers side that won promotion to the Premier League last season.
But, now they have made it into the top flight, Hull boss Steve Bruce is willing to allow the player to go out on loan, as he looks to strengthen.
Hobbs has plenty of experience at Championship level, having started more than 100 league games for Leicester City, following his free transfer move from Liverpool in July 2009, which followed an earlier loan spell with the Foxes.
Hull paid £850,000 to sign the centre-half from Leicester in the summer of 2011, again following a successful loan spell with the club.
He has made 69 league starts and six sub appearances for the Tigers.
Forest's defence had been short of numbers following the departure of last season's loan signings Elliott Ward and Daniel Ayala at the end of the campaign.
But boss Billy Davies hopes the addition of Hobbs could be the answer.
Forest are also poised to join Stuttgart and Nice in the race to sign Egyptian wonder kid Mahmoud Hassan 'Trezeguet'.
The attacking midfielder is highly sought after following his starring role in the under-20 World Cup, with Dutch giants Ajax also monitoring his position.
Trezeguet – given his nickname due to his resemblance to French star David Trezeguet – netted an outstanding solo goal against England as a 2-0 defeat by Egypt ensured Peter Taylor's side did not progress beyond the group stages of the tournament in Turkey.
The 18-year-old is contracted to Egyptian side Al-Ahly and has played in both the World Cup Championship and the CAF Champions League for the club.
But, with the Egyptian Premier League currently suspended with the country in political turmoil, Trezeguet has been made available for transfer.
And it is understood that his advisers believe English football would be ideal for his development.
While they could face significant opposition for his signature, Forest have been given the first opportunity to bring Trezeguet to Nottingham for a trial. The Reds are close to agreeing a move that will see him spend two weeks in the city prior to the start of the new season.
Forest have also been linked with FC Utrecht striker Jacob Mulenga.
The 29-year-old is valued at £1m by the Dutch club.
