Nottingham Forest lead race to sign Anthony Stokes?

Nottingham Forest are reportedly leading the race to sign Celtic striker Anthony Stokes this summer.

The 26-year-old has one year left on his current deal at Celtic Park, but it is thought that he is not in the long-term plans of manager Ronny Deila.

Forest will be in the market for a new striker ahead of the new campaign, with Britt Assombalonga out until December at least with a serious knee injury.

Dougie Freedman has reportedly been promised that he will have money to spend this summer after signing a new deal as Forest boss, and according to Goal.com, Stokes will be one of his main targets.

However, Freedman is not the only Championship manager looking at Stokes, with Neil Lennon of Bolton Wanderers also a keen admirer of the frontman having worked with him at Celtic.

The report adds that Leeds United and Cardiff City are also monitoring the player's situation.

Stokes has scored seven goals in 18 starts this season for Celtic.