Nottingham Forest transfer news latest as Reds 'ready to move' for £25m ace and contract risk clear
A fifth win on the spin marked the end of Nottingham Forest’s Premier League action for the calendar year and attention will now turn to what happens in 2025.
The Reds went second in the table with their 2-0 victory over Everton on Sunday. With Nuno Espirito Santo’s side not in action again until they face Wolverhampton Wanderers on January 6, all eyes will be on the opening of the January transfer window.
It is a big month ahead on and off the pitch at the City Ground and the rumour mill has already been in full swing. Below, we round up the latest Forest transfer news and gossip.
McAtee latest
Forest would reportedly “be ready to make a move” for Manchester City youngster James McAtee in January, should he become available. And the Reds have been told how much they would likely have to pay to fend off intense competition for the midfielder.
A string of sides have been credited with an interest in the 22-year-old. Forest are among them, along with West Ham United, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Fiorentina and Bologna.
According to the Daily Mail, Leverkusen are “emerging as contenders” to sign McAtee next month. However, it is said the Reds, the Hammers, the Bees and Palace could all make a move if it becomes clear the reigning Premier League champions will allow him to leave.
The report adds McAtee would cost in the region of £25 million - slightly more than the £20m previously suggested. He has 18 months left to run on his contract and played a key role from off the bench for City as they beat Leicester City on Sunday.
Boss Pep Guardiola was full of praise afterwards. He said of McAtee: “He’s a player from a generation we had at Manchester City that’s been unbelievable; Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Liam Delap, Taylor Harwood-Bellis... Incredible, incredible players came from there, and Macca is one of this generation. He was captain of this generation.
“That's why, when I said to Txiki (Begiristain, director of football), and I know it's unfair to say (now) because, "Ah you asked him to stay, after you didn't give him minutes he deserved", that's fair. It's right! But always I had the feeling that guy could play with us. He could play. I’m very pleased for him because he's an incredibly lovely guy, trained really good, never one bad face, and he won these minutes.”
Midfielder decision
Earlier this month, the City Ground was being touted as a potential destination for Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli. However, it seems the 23-year-old is set to head elsewhere next month as he seeks regular game time.
According to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli are in pole position to secure the Italian’s signature. Fagioli is reportedly “one step away” from leaving Juve, with the Italian giants looking to raise cash to fund their own transfer business.
In addition to the Reds, Crystal Palace were also said to be keen on the player while Napoli also had their eye on him. A price tag of around €25-20 million (£20-16.5m) has reportedly been placed on his head.
Wood’s future
January 1 doesn’t just represent the opening of the January window, it is also the date from which players whose deals are due to expire in the summer are able to negotiate with foreign clubs. Those affected are able to sign a pre-contract agreement ahead of completing a free transfer come June.
Chris Wood and Ola Aina are the two most notable Forest stars with deals currently set to run out in 2025. Talks have been held with both about securing fresh terms but so far nothing has been signed.
As such, there has been speculation about the duo and both have been linked with other clubs. Most recently, Aina is said to have caught the attention of Manchester City and Wood reportedly has interest from Saudi Arabia.
The pair have been integral to the Reds’ sensational form this season. But for Wood, in particular, things could have panned out very differently as he was wanted by New Zealand outfit Auckland FC earlier in the year.
Manager Steve Corica has said the club’s pursuit was “a little bit unrealistic” but seemingly hasn’t given up hope of a swoop in the future. "We did speak to Chris Wood," he told Australian publication Nine. "Maybe in two, three years, this could be a different story."
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Aina risk
On the subject of new contracts, Forest have been urged to get Aina’s sorted. The defender has been a consistent performer for Nuno’s side and has been hailed as one of the best right-back’s in the Premier League.
Former Nigeria international Taye Ismaila Taiwo has said it is imperative the Reds get his countryman tied down. He told Africa Foot: “Nottingham Forest can't afford to let Aina leave for free in June. It's time to make a move.
“Unless they offer him a new deal, he should already be in talks with potential suitors. In my opinion, he's one of the best right-backs in the league so he'll have no trouble finding a new club.”
Winger’s future
Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom has addressed the future of on-loan Forest winger Josh Bowler. The 25-year-old is due to spend the season at Deepdale but reports have suggested the Lilywhites have held talks with the Reds about ending his spell early.
However, Bowler was recalled to the starting XI on Sunday for only his fifth league start for Preston as they beat Sheffield Wednesday 3-1. After the final whistle Heckingbottom was quizzed about what happens next for the wide man but gave very little away.
“He deserved to be picked and I was pleased with him,” Heckingbottom told the Lancashire Post. “I don't know what the noise is. Josh is fine. I speak to him all the time about his situation and what he needs to do to get the game time.
“I think he respects that and knows it's my decision and call. Likewise, I know he wants to play. When windows come around it's always as simple as that. He's happy here, he enjoys it here, he just wants to play more football."
