Reports emanating from the West Country suggest that if new Watford manager Rob Edwards is going to raid his former club Forest Green Rovers during the transfer window, then the player he may have his sights on is right wing-back Kane Wilson.

The 22-year-old had an outstanding season as Rovers won League Two and achieved promotion to League One for the first time in their history.

Wilson was crowned League Two Player of the Season and named in the 2021/22 Team of the Season at the end of a campaign when he played in 45 of 46 league games.

Having joined West Brom at the age of seven, Wilson played for the first team as a 16-year-old in a League Cup tie in 2016 and was then named as a substitute for a Premier League game against Middlesbrough.

However, he had to go out on loan to get regular senior football and had spells with Exeter, Walsall and Tranmere before signing for Forest Green in July 2020.

A very attack-minded wing-back, Wilson has earned plaudits for using his strength and speed to stretch the play and also get in behind opposition defences. His intelligent movement and willingness to drive inside as well as hug the touchline has made him a solid defender who is a real threat when going forward.

With Wilson being out of contract this summer, sources believe it’s a case of when – not if – he leaves Forest Green, and they know Edwards is a big admirer. However, I’m also told Nottingham Forest regularly sent scouts to watch him last season, although their targets may have changed now they have been promoted to the Premier League.