A FORMER Premier League star’s son is being lined up for a shock to England.
Pierre van Hooijdonk spent two years at Nottingham Forest between 1997 and 1999.
And now his son could make the same switch to the City Ground.
According to The Athletic, Forest are considering a swoop for his son Sydney.
Van Hooijdonk Jr is enjoying a fine season on loan at Heerenveen from Bologna.
His 16 goals in 31 games have helped propel the Dutch outfit to ninth in the Eredivisie.
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But when he returns to his parent club in the summer, the 23-year-old striker is expected to be available for transfer.
It is unclear if Forest will definitely go in for the 6ft 3ins striker but the report could face competition for his signature with SunSport revealing interest from Stoke, Swansea, Cardiff and Millwall.
But the emotional ties to the club could sway a battle in the East Midlanders’ favour.
Dad Pierre scored 41 goals in 77 games for Forest and helped the club to promotion to the Premier League.
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However, he went on strike over a disagreement about his future.
And although he did return to the team, Forest were relegated and Van Hooijdonk Sr left.
But there does not seem to be too much bad blood between the family and the club.
Van Hooijdonk Jr got himself a ticket for last year’s Championship play-off final at Wembley.
Forest beat Huddersfield to return to the top flight for the first time in 23 years.
Despite making 29 signings, Steve Cooper’s side are at serious risk of relegation.
They sit 18th in the table, level on points with Everton but face a tough run-in.
Should they go down, though, they could turn to another Van Hooijdonk to fire them back to the Premier League again.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
