Nottingham Forest transfer latest as 'special' plan set out and Reds 'in mix' for Man City man
Nottingham Forest have an important few days ahead as the January window deadline looms into view.
On the pitch, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are at home to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday (12.30pm kick-off) in a big Premier League clash. Off the pitch, the Reds know time is running out to get any transfer deals over the line.
Clubs have until 11pm on Monday (February 3) to wrap up their winter business. With that in mind, below is a look at the latest Forest news and gossip.
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O’Brien links
Lewis O’Brien is a likely departure from the City Ground before the window closes. Burnley, Blackburn Rovers and Hull City have been credited with an interest in the midfielder in the past while Preston North End were linked earlier this week,
Lilywhites boss Paul Heckingbottom is an admirer of O’Brien having targeted him in the past, when he was in charge at Sheffield United. Moreover, an injury to captain Ben Whiteman is said to have created a potential opening in midfield. Asked about potential transfer business at Deepdale, Heckingbottom told the Lancashire Post: “You'd always like one but affording one and getting one is totally different.”
He added: “We're always working hard. Generally, towards the end of the window we're not instigating anything. So we're led by the clubs.
“But the amount of frantic action that's generally needed, or people think they have to do towards the end of the window, means there's always a knock-on effect. So, I would have thought we'd be involved in it somehow. We generally always are.”
‘Special’ search
Forest will not splash the cash for the sake of it in the final days of the window. Nuno has stressed only players who can improve the squad and who will fit into a tight-knit dressing room will be considered as potential targets.
The Portuguese is entirely relaxed about the lack of new arrivals at the City Ground. With the Reds conscious of the risks of disrupting squad harmony by doing too much business, they have very specific criteria for weighing up any possible business.
“We just finished the training session - this is what is more important,” Nuno said when asked about potential transfers ahead of Monday’s 11pm deadline. “The people in the club are working on what they have to work on; we are focused on preparing the team.
“Our approach was always the same. It was basically that someone to come and give us help has to be someone different and has to fit in the squad - someone who brings a different option or a different solution.
“That was our approach as a coaching staff, and then the club has to work. It is not easy to operate in this transfer window. But it is always the same, someone has to be special.”
McAtee move?
Forest could “pounce” for in-demand Manchester City youngster James McAtee before the January window closes, it has been claimed. The Reds have had their eye on him for some time, and one report suggests they are contemplating whether to firm up their interest.
According to GIVEMESPORT, the Reds are among the clubs “in the mix to pounce” for the midfielder. It is claimed they are weighing up whether “to jump to the front of the queue” with the lure of offering more Premier League game time for the 22-year-old.
Crystal Palace and West Ham United are said to be in the same position while Brighton are “keeping tabs” on the situation. However, any potential suitors will likely have a fight on their hands to prise McAtee away from the Etihad Stadium.
German outfit Bayer Leverkusen had been in pole position to snap up the former England youth international but had a formal loan offer rejected, according to The Telegraph. GMS report City would be prepared to listen to offers in the region of £25 million but are unlikely to budge on their stance as boss Pep Guardiola is said to be “more than happy” to hang on to the player.
Positive deal
As Forest look to add to Nuno’s squad before the window closes, one of the club’s summer signings is set to reach a significant landmark. Jota Silva will play his 250th career game if he features against the Seagulls this weekend.
The winger started out with Portuguese side Sousense, and club president Pedro Carvalho takes great pride in one of his former charges reaching such a milestone. As Jota continues to adapt to English football, Carvalho believes it has been a good first half of the season for the 25-year-old.
“Definitely extremely positive,” he said. “He's been utilised in every game, he's contributed goals and assists when he's started and he's having an impact on the team, and on a team that's succeeding.
“The move to English football, to the most competitive league in the world, requires a lot of adaptation, and in his debut season it wouldn't be realistic to ask more of Jota. As for Forest, they're undoubtedly one of the Premier League's great revelations. They're having a sensational season and have already managed to break into the fight for European competition, far exceeding expectations at the start of the season.”
