Billy Davies may be forced to settle for bringing Chris Gunter back to Nottingham Forest on loan after Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp quashed talk of a permanent deal.

The 19-year-old Wales international defender enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Reds at the end of the recent Championship season.

Davies has made little secret of his desire to bring the former Cardiff man back to the City Ground and the club confirmed on Thursday that they were in talks with Spurs with a view to either a permanent switch or a season-long long.

But Redknapp has ruled out selling Gunter and said: "He's a young player and loan experience is good, but we wouldn't sell him."