Mansfield Town struck gold with Nottingham Forest deal - it could open a door this summer | OneFootball

The 28-year-old striker could rediscover his scintelating were he to make the move back to Field Mill.

Mansfield Town have had success looking to Nottingham Forest for young, exciting academy loanees over the years.

In the 2018/19 season, Mansfield made three loan signings: playmaker Jorge Grant, goalkeeper Jordan Smith, and centre-forward Tyler Walker.

Walker shone brightest for the Stags. The loan star showcased his finishing ability and movement in the box to score 26 times, the first of which came just 12 minutes into his debut.

Such was his sparkling form that there rumours Nottingham Forest would recall him halfway through the campaign but he remained at Field Mill and would claim a deserved place in the League Two team of the year.

There was no doubt about the connection between Walker and the Mansfield faithful. The striker was adored for his industry and, above all, his goals.

It would end on a sour note as he missed chances and then a penalty in the shootout in the second leg of play-off semi-final defeat to Newport County but the striker, who was man of the match in the first leg, is still considered one of the club's best loan signings in recent memory.

Tyler Walker has struggled since his Mansfield Town move

Tyler Walker is son of Nottingham Forest legend Des Walker. However, unlike his old man, Tyler hasn't been able to nail down a spot at Forest.

In fact, after Mansfield, he has struggled to really kick on. He impressed in a loan spell at Lincoln City the following season – scoring 17 times before being recalled midway through the campaign – but the 28-year-old has failed to make the grade at Coventry City, Portsmouth, and after his return to Lincoln.

Walker, who is now in the prime of his career, has been hampered by injuries this season, and with his Imps contract up in the summer, it would not be a surprise if he moves on.

The idea of a move back to Field Mill may prove to be one that suits all parties.

Tyler Walker would complement Mansfield Town's style under Nigel Clough

To many Stags fans, the thought of a fit and firing Walker back in yellow and blue may feel like a dream.

But it's not out of the question. He looks like a player that needs a fresh start to get his career back on track so why not return to the club where he's played arguably his best football?

Walker would seem to complement the style that Nigel Clough has favoured in recent seasons and though there is still work to do, Mansfield are on course to be a League One club next season. He would complement Will Evans up top and is a risk worth taking, given his lofty potential.

Whether the finances align and the 28-year-old wants to return to Mansfield is unclear but his prior spell at Field Mill, when the Stags struck gold with the Forest loanee, could open a door this summer.