The Reds would love to get the Manchester United midfielder back next season after a successful loan spell
Bringing James Garner back to the City Ground will be high up Nottingham Forest's priority list in the summer transfer window.
Garner was one of Forest's stand out players after joining on loan from Manchester United back in January.
In a season that was largely unforgettable, he was a player who Forest supporters would love to see play in the red live when they hope to return to the stands next season.
But the big question is, will he back?
There's no question Forest would love to re-sign him, even if boss Chris Hughton has remained coy on the matter.
But what are the chances of the 20-year-old returning for a second stint on the banks of the Trent?
Here’s a look at the situation as things stand...
His performances tailed off slightly in the final few weeks, but only because he had set such high standards earlier on. Even when he's dipped, he's not been terrible, by any means.
He had a great spell not so long ago, when we were almost running out of superlatives to describe his displays.
Just when you had started to wonder if there is anything he can’t do, he pulled a free-kick like the one against QPR out of the bag. And then he went one better at the weekend, with a stunning strike against Preston North End
He has shown composure beyond his years in the centre of the pitch and has an incredible array of passing, which played a part in helping drive the Reds forward.
That he weighed in with four goals from his 20 appearances was crucial in Forest pulling away from relegation danger. And the fact one of his strikes came against Derby County means he will forever go down in club folklore.
Other than one run-out from off the bench, he was an ever-present in the starting XI - a clear sign of his influence and how highly the manager rates him.
And it's not just Reds fans who would like to see him return.
Asked if he would be keen for Garner to be back at the City Ground in August, defender Tyler Blackett said recently: “Hopefully. I’m not sure what his plans are in his own mind or what the manager has planned for him.
“But we want the best players here. Jimmy is one of our best players now, and he’s showing that.
“If he continues, hopefully he’ll still be here.”
James Garner of Nottingham Forest is put under pressure by Sam Pearson of Bristol City
|What is Man Utd's stance?
The MEN report: "It’s understood Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is considering bringing both Teden Mengi (who has been on loan at Derby County) and Garner into his first team squad at United following their loan stints.
"But both could also head out on loan again, depending on the depth Solskjaer is able to add in their respective positions.
"United could look for Premier League loans for both players to continue their development.
"But as things stand it looks likely that Mengi and Garner will rejoin the United senior squad for pre-season after the summer break, train with Solskjaer's men and play in some friendly fixtures. A decision is then likely to be taken on their short-term futures.
"Mengi signed a contract extension in March, keeping him at Old Trafford until June 2024 with the option for an additional year. Garner's contract with the club expires in June 2022."
United tipped to send him overseas, but Forest should not despair
The Reds are expected to have a fight on their hands to try to get Garner back, following a string of accomplished displays.
That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t pull out all the stops in a bid to try, but the youngster will no doubt have his pick of teams to choose from in the summer - including ones higher up the pyramid.
It has previously been suggested by the Sun that his parent club could offer him a new deal before sending him on loan again next term - and a move abroad could be in the offing.
The Mirror report United are keen to get more experience in 2021/22 and a spell overseas is seen as "appealing".
There is also said to be interest from the Premier League, but Forest may not be completely out of the picture.
What they have to hope counts in their favour is the fact the midfielder seems to have enjoyed his time at the City Ground and he would be guaranteed regular game time again next term.
There’s also the relationship between Hughton and United.
The Premier League giants think highly of the Reds manager and the progress Garner has made under him. Indeed, Hughton was one of the major factors in choosing Forest as the youngster’s destination for the second half of the season.
United academy performance manager Les Parry said in February: “James has done well getting to Forest. The manager, Chris Hughton, was really keen on him.
“Chris Hughton was one of the attractions for us, to be quite honest with you, with us selecting Forest.
“I think all of our coaches, and myself, have great respect for Chris. He has a great reputation for the way he treats players, which is important for us.
“On top of that, with him really fancying James as a player, and the fact he's going to treat him well, educate him well, was massive in making the decision.”