Forest step-up race to sign duo

NOTTINGHAM Forest are to take the first steps to signing Birmingham winger Gary McSheffrey – and have also upped their bid for Doncaster's Matt Mills to £2m.

With Sheffield United and Coventry also showing an interest in McSheffrey, Forest are set to test the waters with an offer, believed to be in the region of £1.5m, for the 26-year-old.

Birmingham – who are also reportedly keeping an eye on defender Mills, having had a bid rejected for him in January – are willing to allow McSheffrey to move on, after seeing the player struggle with a knee injury last season.

But, in a potential twist, they are also keen on using him as a make-weight as they target Coventry's Scott Dann.

It is understood that Birmingham have already offered a seven-figure sum, along with McSheffrey – who enjoyed the most successful spell of his career with the Sky Blues – for the defender.

And Birmingham may be prepared to stretch their offer further, as they prepare for a return to the Premiership. But Forest boss Billy Davies is a big fan of McSheffrey, who he believes could be an integral figure once fully fit.

McSheffrey's loan spell at the City Ground was a disappointment but only because the player never gained full fitness. And, with Sheffield United also keen on the former £4m capture, Forest are preparing to make Birmingham an offer.

The Reds have also increased their offer for Mills, after seeing an initial bid rejected by Doncaster with the club prepared to up the ante in a bid to land the 22-year-old.

Doncaster are thought to value the former Southampton and Manchester City man at closer to £2.5m, but may be willing to accept a compromise figure, with the player himself believed to be keen on a move to the City Ground.

Forest have already bid £600,000 for Preston captain Paul McKenna and £1m for Southampton's David McGoldrick and are also in talks with QPR over striker Dexter Blackstock.

But so far, striker Dele Adebola is the only summer signing, with his free-transfer move from Bristol City set to be officially confirmed when his contract expires.