Nottingham Forest are eager to make the most of the "opportunity to grow" as they prepare for another season in the Premier League.
Head coach Steve Cooper has spoken about capitalising on the platform provided by securing survival last term. And that includes strengthening the squad this summer, in a bid to push on when the 2023/24 campaign begins.
The Reds have begun to put some plans into effect, with Serge Aurier’s contract extension being confirmed and Chris Wood’s loan due to convert to a permanent move when the window officially opens on Wednesday. They have also been linked with a number of players as incomings and outgoings are expected in the coming weeks.
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With that in mind, we have taken a look at how Forest could line up if some of those players rumoured to be on the club’s radar end up making the switch. Cooper tweaked his formation several times during the campaign just gone, so some flexibility and overseeing enough strength in depth will also be key when it comes to transfer business.
Sorting out the goalkeeping position is a priority, with both Dean Henderson and Keylor Navas having been on loan. The hope Trentside is that the former will be between the posts at the City Ground next term as the Reds target a permanent move for the Manchester United man.
In defence, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Conor Coady has been linked. Most recently, he took his place on the right of a three-man back line in his final game on loan at Everton.
Cooper has switched between four and three plus wing-backs at the back. As it stands, there is competition for places at centre-back; Coady would add to that and would be capable of slotting into either formation.
Having got Aurier tied down, the Reds still need to address the left-back spot. Getting Renan Lodi back would be ideal, after he impressed on loan, but Forest face a number of challenges with that.
Alternatives to Lodi are being explored, including Monza's Carlos Augusto. It also remains to be seen whether Omar Richards will be fit to push for a spot in the side, with the former Bayern Munich man yet to make his debut after signing last summer.
Midfield was a problem area at times as Forest adapted to the top flight. The combination of Orel Mangala, Ryan Yates and Danilo worked well towards the end of the campaign, but with Jack Colback to depart at the end of his contract and Jonjo Shelvey a possibility to move on, fresh options may be required.
A decision will need to be made on whether Lewis O’Brien can have a part to play, with his loan at DC United running until July 16. Meanwhile, the Reds are said to be interested in Leeds United’s Tyler Adams.
A versatile midfielder, Adams has played in a three and a two in the centre of the pitch for Leeds. He could be an option for the deeper lying role with the Reds but would face a fight to get into the starting XI.
Cooper has said he wants Forest’s style of play to develop next term. But regardless of what signings are made, he could still face the same dilemma of how to utilise attacking trio Morgan Gibbs-White, Brennan Johnson and Taiwo Awoniyi without leaving the team overrun in midfield.
How Forest’s line-up could look if some of those linked put pen to paper: Henderson; Aurier, Coady, Felipe, Augusto; Adams, Yates, Danilo; Gibbs-White; Johnson, Awoniyi.
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