Where it all went wrong for Man City loanee Aro Muric at Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest transfer news: Reports this evening claim that the Reds have sent the Kosovo international back to Pep Guardiola's side and won't require his services anymore

Nottingham Forest have let goalkeeper Aro Muric return to Manchester City, according to reports.

Website The Athletic are reporting that the stopper is no longer required at the City Ground, Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi deeming him surplus to requirements.

Muric joined the Reds in July but after just four Championship matches he found himself on the substitute's bench.

He hasn't even warmed the bench on occasion this season and wasn't included in the FA Cup match with Chelsea in January, surprisingly.

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The Kosovo international, who played against England earlier this season, will return to City where he is contracted until 2024.

NottinghamshireLive's dedicated Reds reporter Sarah Clapson spoke to our sister title in Manchester, the MEN, about Muric's struggles back in March.

"Lamouchi made it very clear at the start of the season that Muric was going to be his No.1," Sarah said.

"Forest seemed to be stockpiling goalkeepers in the summer, and there was a bit of surprise when Brice Samba was then brought in as well. But the manager said at the time Samba was for the future and Muric was for the present. He came in with a good reputation, so big things were expected from him."

Then came that debut against West Brom, with Muric struggling with both goals.

Three League games later and he was out.

"It certainly wasn't the best of starts! Lamouchi stuck by him initially, but the manager then said he felt the experience Brice Samba brings would make a difference," Sarah added.

"And he's been more than vindicated on that front - it was one of the turning points of Forest's season when Lamouchi made that call. Changing your goalkeeper isn't an easy decision to make, but it's proved to be a good one for Forest.

"Muric just hadn't looked particularly composed - maybe his confidence had taken a hit with that West Brom game. With a bit of irony, though, he'd actually arguably had his best game for Forest - against Charlton - before being dropped."

Samba has held down his starting role, winning Reds fans over and he has become a cult hero on Trentside.

"There's just been no unseating Samba. It's as simple as that, really,” Sarah said.

"Samba has been one of Forest's players of the season and has made a huge difference since coming into the team. He just has that bit more experience than Muric, and I think that shows at times. Samba is now very much first-choice; Lamouchi has made no bones about that."

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Muric's future at Forest is over and it had been on the cards for a while.

"I'd be surprised if (Forest) look to re-sign Muric next season," Sarah said back in March.

"The loan just hasn't really worked out how all parties would have hoped. Muric would find himself in the exact same position at Forest next season - there's no way he would be first-choice, barring injury - so can't imagine either he or Man City would be too pleased about that.

"And from Forest's perspective, while Muric arrived with a lot of potential and a great reputation, he's just not been able to show what he's capable of - he's still very young and I'm sure there's a good keeper in there, but a fresh start would suit everyone all round."