Managing Nottingham Forest - duo pen new deals as key transfer unlocked and three depart
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo remains determined not to get carried away but there is no denying Nottingham Forest are in stunning form at present.
The challenge is to keep it going as the Reds look to maintain their lofty position in the Premier League table. To that end, the January transfer window is an important one at the City Ground.
Nuno’s squad does not require too much work, while any deals Forest do sanction must be balanced against the risk of potentially disrupting the momentum and team spirit already built up. It is a fine line to tread.
Monday night’s 3-0 victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers made it six straight wins for the Reds, who are just six points adrift of league leaders Liverpool.
With a big few weeks ahead, both on and off the pitch, NottinghamshireLive's Reds reporter Sarah Clapson has stepped into Nuno’s shoes and decided what should happen Trentside in the transfer window...
Contract calls
The absolute priority for Forest - arguably more so than overseeing any incomings or outgoings - should be getting key players tied to new deals as soon as possible. There is particular urgency when it comes to sorting out the futures of striker Chris Wood and full-back Ola Aina, with both in the final six months of their contracts.
As of January 1, the pair have been able to negotiate with foreign teams. Should they wish, they could sign pre-contract agreements to put their next steps in place long before the season is over.
Both players have been linked with other clubs. Manchester City are said to be keeping tabs on Aina’s situation, while Roma, AC Milan and Galatasaray have been credited with an interest. Wood reportedly has admirers in Europe, Saudi Arabia and the MLS.
In addition to ensuring Aina and Wood put pen to paper, it could also be a good idea for Forest to offer fresh terms to some of their other prized assets. Improved deals for the likes of Murillo and Morgan Gibbs-White could help ward off potential suitors.
Tough decisions
The Reds have a strong squad in place and did plenty of groundwork in the summer over trimming any fat. As was the case before the season started, Nuno is keen to come through January with the core of the dressing room still in place.
Forest want to retain their star men. They know some of their players will have made rivals sit up and take notice with their performances, but are well aware of the difference those in the spotlight can make in the push for European football.
What happens with some of the club’s fringe players will require tougher decisions to be made. For example, Leeds United and Sheffield United are eyeing up Andrew Omobamidele. The defender is viewed as a good prospect Trentside but is down the pecking order at present. A loan move could be good for him, but the Reds must make sure they are not left short of options in any department.
Likewise, a loan could suit summer signing Eric da Silva Moreira. He looks to have a bright future ahead of him but securing regular football might help his development.
As for possible sales, one player certainly in need of a permanent switch is Emmanuel Dennis. Overseeing an exit for the attacker will be on the club’s to-do list, although it might prove to be easier said than done given his lack of game time.
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Key signing
Nuno has strength in depth across most areas of the pitch thanks to excellent business done in the summer. But one position in need of attention this month is up front.
Wood is having the campaign of his life and Taiwo Awoniyi showed he can still have a part to play by bagging his first goal of the season at Molineux. But additional firepower would be a great boost to Forest’s bid to maintain their challenge at the top end of the table.
Plenty of names have been linked. The club will certainly consider any business carefully and will take a similar stance to that of the summer in not making signings for the sake of it. They will not want to be held to ransom during what can be a tricky window to navigate at the best of times.
Reigniting interest in Omar Marmoush after having two bids rejected in the summer would involve a significant outlay for the Reds. Eintracht Frankfurt are reportedly holding out for as much as £50 million for the front man, whose stock has risen significantly in recent months courtesy of his red-hot form.
If Forest wish to pursue a striker at the opposite end of the financial scale, Corinthians’ Yuri Alberto could make sense. The Reds have been linked with a £19m bid for the 23-year-old, who has not been shy about admitting it is his dream to play in the Premier League. The club have a solid track record in the South American market and he would be able to rely on the Brazilian contingent already in place at the City Ground to help him adapt.
