Nigel Clough is hoping to sign his former player Lucas Akins from Burton Albion, according to reports.

Akins is a legend at the Pirelli Stadium having been at the club since 2014, but the 31-year-old could be tempted to drop a division to reunite with his former boss.

Akins has netted 63 goals in 290 appearances for the Brewers since joining them from Stevenage in the summer of 2014 but with Burton struggling he might be allowed to leave, with Mansfield showing an interested according to Alan Nixon.

The Stags have made significant improvements in the short time since Clough has been in charge with their best performance coming this weekend, a 4-0 win against Port Vale.

On paper, they have enough quality in their squad to push on up the League Two table but they could see a real turnaround with a couple of talented additions.

Akins is able to play in several positions and although he is traditionally considered to be a striker, he has also played full-back on several occasions for the Brewers.

Burton will be looking to prioritise defensive reinforcements during this transfer window having conceded 19 goals in their last five matches alone and an EFL high 50 in their 22 matches so far.

They take on Gillingham away in their next match while Mansfield host a Salford City side strongly tipped for promotion.