Exclusive: Nottingham Forest has initiated talks over midfielder contract extension. View

Ryan Yates has opened talks about signing a contract extension at Nottingham Forest

Nuno Espirito Santo has given the green light for the club to agree a new and improved deal for the midfielder who has been a key part of his team.

The 26-year-old, who is valued at £10million, will see his current deal expire in the summer of 2025 but is keen to remain at the City Ground.

With all parties eager to reach an agreement to extend Yates’ stay at Forest, talks have begun and a conclusion should be reached in due course.

Nottingham Forest begin Ryan Yates contract talks

Yates first joined Forest in 2005 aged just seven, and has progressed through the club’s academy to make 203 appearances for his boyhood side.

Having represented the club during their time in the Championship and since their promotion to the Premier League, Yates remains a key player under Espirito Santo.

Last season, he made 40 appearances across all competitions as he helped fight against relegation and ultimately earned his side a 17th-placed finish, six points above Luton.

With just one year remaining on his current deal at the City Ground, Forest have made the renewal of his deal one of the priorities this summer.

Should no agreement be reached, Yates would be free to walk away for free this time next year, seeing Forest lose an important player.

Extending his deal will also allow Forest to focus their attention elsewhere in the transfer market, with their resources limited by financial pressure after their four-point deduction last season.