Five deals Nottingham Forest could do amid January transfer window balancing act
It is a big month for Nottingham Forest as they look to plot their way through the January transfer window.
The Reds are well aware they have a delicate balance to strike in a bid to maintain their challenge at the top end of the Premier League table. Above all else, the priority is not to risk disrupting momentum built up on the pitch and a strong team spirit off it.
Deciding what deals to sanction, both incomings and outgoings, requires careful consideration. Below, NottinghamshireLive takes a look at five pieces of business Forest could do before the February 3 deadline.
Yuri Alberto
This particular transfer link has been running for some time and has already thrown up several twists and turns. The Reds need to strengthen up front, and Corinthians forward Alberto is one of the names they have been credited with an interest in.
Reports from his homeland have suggested a £19 million bid for the Brazilian could be in the offing from Forest. He has also been linked with West Ham United, Everton, Newcastle United and Brentford.
Alberto has not been shy about admitting his dream is to play in the Premier League. However, he recently indicated he “is very happy” at Corinthians and there has been talk he is keen to stay put amid an ambition of winning silverware with the club.
Ben Godfrey
Reds head coach Nuno Espirito Santo values players with versatility, and Atalanta defender Godfrey certainly falls into that category. The 26-year-old is able to play at full-back as well as in central defence.
Reports have suggested Godfrey has been among the names mentioned at Forest amid discussions about potentially sourcing defensive reinforcements. Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leicester City and Roma are also said to be keen on the former Everton man.
Atalanta are said to be willing to let Godfrey, who cost in the region of £10 million when he moved from Goodison Park in the summer, leave. The player himself is reportedly keen on “a change of scenery” and “could give priority” to a Premier League return.
Lewis O’Brien
The midfielder’s loan at Los Angeles FC officially expired on December 31. The MLS outfit held an option to make his move a permanent one and said in November they were “in talks” over retaining his services.
It remains to be seen whether O’Brien will head back across the Atlantic, however. He is seemingly not short of suitors as he weighs up his next steps.
Southampton, Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion, Sheffield United, Stoke City and Hull City were all linked with the 26-year-old last year. Finding a move for him before the month is out will be on Forest’s to-do list.
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Emmanuel Dennis
O’Brien isn’t the only player who could head elsewhere this month. The Reds will be keen to set up a transfer for out-of-favour attacker Dennis.
The former Watford man was not included in Forest’s 25-man squad for the first half of the Premier League season and little about his situation has changed since. However, it has been quiet on the rumour front where Dennis is concerned with an absence of links to any potential suitors.
Andrew Omobamidele
The Reds will weigh up whether to sanction loans for some players who have been struggling for regular game time. Defender Omobamidele could be among those to head elsewhere for a temporary spell.
The centre-back is down the pecking order at the City Ground and has featured just once for Nuno’s side so far this term. The Telegraph recently reported Omobamidele was a target for several clubs ahead of the window opening. Leeds United were said to have been keen on him in the summer, with boss Daniel Farke having worked with the 22-year-old when the pair were at Norwich City together.
