A big transfer window is just around the corner for Nottingham Forest as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side continue to challenge at the top end of the Premier League table.

With the Reds going so well, overseeing the right deals in January carries added importance. Some key signings could make a big difference but the club will also be wary of changing the dressing room too much.

The rumour mill has already been in full swing ahead of the new year. Below, we round up the latest Forest transfer news and gossip.

McAtee battle

The Reds would seemingly face a battle to secure the signature of Manchester City’s James McAtee, if they decide to pursue the youngster’s signature in January. The highly-rated 22-year-old has no shortage of admirers, both in the Premier League and abroad.

Forest were credited with an interest in McAtee last month. According to The Telegraph, West Ham United, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Fiorentina and Bologna are also keen.

It is said the reigning Premier League champions are set for a fight to keep hold of the attacking midfielder, who has 18 months remaining on his contract. McAtee is reportedly “frustrated” at his lack of playing time and “favours” a January departure from the Etihad Stadium.

Esse interest

Pundit Carlton Palmer expects the Reds to lose out in the race to sign Millwall youngster Romain Esse. Forest have been linked with the 19-year-old, but they are not the only side said to be eyeing him up ahead of January.

Crystal Palace have also been credited with an interest in Esse. And Palmer has tipped them to beat Nuno’s side to the teenager’s signature.

"From all the reports that I have heard, Dougie Freedman (Crystal Palace's Sporting Director) has visited Millwall several times to run the rule over Romain Esse,” he told Football League World. “It fits their criteria of what they're doing, and he is relatively cheap for a Premier Club at £12 million.

"We know what Crystal Palace do. They bring in young players and then move them on for big money.

"I think Millwall are already looking for replacements, but I think the deal that was rumoured to be done with Palace is that he would be signed and loaned back to Millwall. That would free up some money for Millwall to strengthen their squad and keep the player for the remainder of the season.

"Nottingham Forest have now joined the race for him, and he is a very good player. We will have to wait and see what happens, but I believe it is almost done for Palace."

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Edu assessment

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has outlined the impact Edu had at the Emirates Stadium ahead of his likely link-up with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis. The Brazilian stepped down from his role as Gunners sporting director in November and is now on gardening leave for six months before he is expected to take on a post within Marinakis’ stable of clubs.

According to Smith, Edu was well liked at his old club and worked hard behind the scenes during his time in the capital. His assessment provides an insight into why Marinakis is keen to have the 46-year-old on board.

"He put a lot of work in behind the scenes and I think a lot of forward planning as well. They would obviously have targets in mind for January coming up, next summer and the January beyond,” Smith told the Daily Express.

“All well-run clubs think ahead like that. What Edu has already done, you might be able to finish that as it were and bring in targets. It's a shame. I think he was popular at the club certainly when he was a player. So yeah, it's a shame."

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Defender eyed

Forest are said to be eyeing up Brighton and Hove Albion defender Pervis Estupinan ahead of the January transfer window.

The Reds are well aware of the importance of getting their business right next month. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are third in the Premier League table and a push for European football is firmly on the cards.

Thanks to some excellent signings made in the summer, Forest’s squad does not require too much work in January. The club will be conscious of the risk of disrupting strong foundations already in place by making too many changes.

According to Bolavip, the Reds are keen on Seagulls left-back Estupinan as they look ahead to 2025. The 26-year-old has made 17 appearances for Brighton so far this season but it is said he could be on the move next year.

The Ecuador international is under contract until 2027 and is valued at €30 million (£25m) by Transfermarkt. Bolavip suggest that a switch to the City Ground would represent “one of the biggest leaps” in his career due to the Reds' history and where they sit in the standings.

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