Dream January transfer window plan for Nottingham Forest as striker target identified
Nottingham Forest have little more than a fortnight remaining to get any transfer business done before the January window closes.
The shutters come down on the winter window at 11pm on February 3, meaning time is ticking for clubs to get deals sorted. Don't expect a manic couple of weeks at the City Ground, though, as Nuno Espirito Santo's squad requires very little work.
Nevertheless, with the Reds having a stunning season it means what happens off the pitch this month carries added importance. Below, we take a look at what a dream end to the transfer window would look like for Forest.
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Star players stay put
For Nuno, the most valuable aspect of the summer window was that key players were retained. Even substantial late interest from Newcastle United in Anthony Elanga couldn’t tempt the Reds to sell.
Along with the winger, Murillo, Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi all remained in situ despite no shortage of speculation about their futures. Any potential suitors were rebuffed in what was a clear statement of intent.
It has paid dividends so far as Forest are very much in the mix at the top end of the Premier League table. But such form is bound to result in the club’s prized assets catching a few eyes.
“This is the part we cannot control. When the moment comes, we have to be ready and operate as a club,” Nuno has said.
The ideal scenario would be for the Reds to retain the core of their dressing room once again - even better if new contracts can be agreed for key men Chris Wood, Ola Aina, Murillo and Gibbs-White amid talks taking place. Forest have a good thing going at the moment and they will not want anything to disrupt that.
Striker signs
Forest tried to bring a forward in before the summer window closed but didn’t manage to get a deal over the line. Nuno insisted afterwards he wasn’t disappointed at the club’s failure to strengthen in that department, but he could surely use another option being added to his ranks next month.
Wood has been in sensational form this term but some additional help wouldn’t go amiss, with Taiwo Awoniyi the only other out-and-out striker in the squad. Forest do not want to be left short of cover.
A few names have been doing the rounds as potential targets. Corinthians’ Yuri Alberto and Botafogo’s Igor Jesus are among them, while Brentford's Yoane Wissa emerged as a new name in the frame this week.
The latter is said to be on Forest's list of targets for if Awoniyi departs, with West Ham United keen on the Nigerian international. Wissa certainly knows where the goal is, having scored 12 in 22 appearances in all competitions so far this term. The Reds refused to splash the cash for the sake of it in the summer, though, so any potential signings will be considered very carefully.
Exits overseen
Trimming numbers was a key priority for the club in the summer. Nuno prefers to work with a small group so a lot of players were moved on.
It means there is little deadwood left at the City Ground. Nevertheless, the Reds would still like to sanction a few departures before next month is out.
Emmanuel Dennis was left off the 25-man squad list for the first half of the season. A move could not be found for him in the summer, but Forest will try again this month.
Midfielder Lewis O’Brien’s time Trentside is likely to also come to an end. His Los Angeles FC loan officially expired on December 31 and he has been linked with a number of clubs.
Meanwhile, defender Andrew Omobamidele's absence from the match squad against Luton Town in the FA Cup seemed telling as he continues to find himself down the pecking order. Leeds United and Sheffield United have both been credited with an interest in the centre-back and it would come as no surprise to see him head elsewhere.
Template followed
Overall, a dream window for the Reds would consist of following a similar approach to the summer. The club did sensible and considered business, with no last-minute panic-buying, and they were left with a strong squad at the end of it.
Same again would be ideal. Forest have previous for uncovering hidden gems (Murillo and Danilo) and for getting bargain deals (Nikola Milenkovic and Callum Hudson-Odoi). They also know how to take advantage of the situations of other clubs (snapping up Elliot Anderson from Newcastle United).
The template for January has already been set. Take the same path and the Reds will not go far wrong.