Oldham Athletic have opened talks with Nottingham Forest over a season-long loan deal for striker Joe Gardner. The 21-year-old spent the second half of the 2024-25 season with Lincoln City, making 11 league appearances and scoring once. Gardner's stay at Lincoln was brief, but not uneventful. He was sent off just minutes into his debut against Cambridge United, before gradually being introduced into Michael Skubala's side as City looked for options in the final third. He returned to Forest at the end of the campaign, before heading back into League One with Mansfield Town last summer. Oldham are reported to have identified Gardner as a key summer target as they look to push towards the top end of League Two. The Latics missed out on the play-offs last season after a poor run in April, but are expected to be among those with ambitions of challenging next term again. For Forest, the next step is likely to be about regular football, after two spells bringing limited minutes. Gardner remains highly rated at the City Ground and has shown his ability at under-21 level, including a return of six goals and two assists in 12 Premier League 2 appearances before his Lincoln loan. However, senior minutes have been harder to come by, and a move to a club where he could play more regularly may suit all parties.