NOTTINGHAM Forest defender Chris Gunter looks destined for a return to the Premier League next month but first he’s aiming to dent his old club’s promotion hopes this weekend.

The Newport-born Wales international has had a £2.5million price tag placed around his neck amid speculation about his future as he prepares to face Cardiff City at the City Ground tomorrow.

Norwich City have twice had bids rejected, with Fulham and Blackburn Rovers also in the hunt for the versatile ex-Tottenham Hotspur full-back.

Canaries manager Paul Lambert's latest bid of £1.5million was turned down by Forest, who want to make a profit on the £1.75million fee they paid Spurs in 2009.

The 22-year-old Welsh international has played 36 times for his country and can play on both flanks.

Lambert is hoping to net up to four players in the transfer window, but faces tough competition with regards to Gunter, as it is thought Martin Jol's Fulham are the most likely to secure a deal.

He joined Spurs from Cardiff in a £2million move in January 2008, but made just 16 appearances for the White Hart Lane club as he struggled to break into the first team.

Forest are deep in the relegation dogfight at the foot of the Championship but Gunter is confident ahead of the visit of fourth-placed Cardiff.

“If we carry on playing as we are the goals will come,” said Gunter.

“When you have not scored in a while the key is sticking to what you are doing and believe it is the right way to go. We must not panic.”

Meanwhile Cardiff manager Malky Mackay has dismissed suggestions that Darcy Blake may leave the club in January as internet speculation.

Blake has struggled to make an impression on the first team at the Cardiff City Stadium this year, featuring just 10 times.

That lack of opportunities has triggered rumours the Wales international could be on the move in the new year, but Mackay said such reports were wide of the mark.

“No, it's not talk from within the club. It might be on websites but certainly there's no talk from within the club,” said the Bluebirds boss.

“He (Blake) wants to play like every player at the club and you never know when you get your opportunity and, that being the case, you've got to be right and ready for that opportunity.

“And I think Darcy will be the first to admit that he's not been right and ready for that opportunity arising.”