Forest boss Davies prepares to shift his sights

By dparkinson

DONCASTER defender Matt Mills remains a target for Nottingham Forest – but manager Billy Davies insisted: "We have started to look at other players."

The Reds, who last night drew 1-1 with Premiership Stoke in their latest pre-season friendly, made a bid in the region of £2m for the central defender (pictured) several weeks ago, which remains on the table, but is far below the Yorkshire club's valuation.

But, with Doncaster needing to raise funds for a planned £1m move for Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp, Forest retain a slight hope that a deal could yet be struck.

However, Davies knows time is of the essence and admits he is now looking at other options – believed to include Millwall's Zak Whitbread.

"We have approached Doncaster and have tried to do something. At the moment there is a gulf there between their valuation and our offer," he said.

"Unless that gulf closes very quickly, then I would say it does not look likely.

"We have made a very, very good offer and feel the valuation for the player in the current financial situation is a first-class offer.

"I am not sure what will happen, that is the short answer. But I would say that, unless the gulf in valuations closes, it is highly unlikely."

Davies says Forest cannot afford to be patient in their efforts to land the player.

"We can't play a waiting game. We are actively looking at other potential targets in that position, as well as one or two others.

"We have to close the door (on deals) very quickly, because it is not long before that first big match will be upon us. We want to try to get this squad together as quickly as possible."

Forest produced a solid performance at the City Ground last night, with David McGoldrick firing the home side ahead before Dave Kitson levelled straight after half-time.

Davies added: "It was a good work-out but I am again beginning to wonder why I tell my players every half time not to switch off in the first 15 minutes of the second half.

"It was an issue for us before and it seems to be again so maybe I just need to say nothing and see what happens."