Nuno sets out clear Nottingham Forest transfer plan as deadline day looms
Nottingham Forest have a very clear plan as they head into the final days of the January transfer window.
Aside from re-signing goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey on a short-term contract, the Reds are yet to welcome any new faces to the City Ground this month. But head coach Nuno Espirito Santo is entirely relaxed about the situation and has stressed only “special” players will be considered as potential targets.
Forest went into the winter window well aware Nuno’s squad required only minimal tinkering, with up front the only clear area in need of strengthening. They are conscious of the risks of disrupting a tight-knit dressing room by doing too much work, so any business will be carefully weighed up.
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“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.”
The Reds welcome Brighton and Hove Albion Trentside on Saturday (12.30pm kick-off) looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 5-0 thumping at Bournemouth. It brought an end to their nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions but they remain well placed in the Premier League table.
Nuno’s side are third and have a real chance of securing European football this season. But the Portuguese has dismissed any suggestions this transfer window could be used to plan ahead for any scenario where a deeper squad might be required in the future.
“Now is not the moment to think about that,” he said. “It is too early to think about that. We go day by day.”
