Defender Joe Worrall is excited to test himself in the Premier League as Nottingham Forest’s attention turns to their next challenge, following promotion.
A 23-year wait to get back to the top-flight was ended at Wembley on Sunday as Steve Cooper’s side beat Huddersfield Town. And they have got there by playing entertaining, attacking football under the Welshman.
Worrall has captained the team in the absence of injured striker Lewis Grabban, with the pair of them lifting the play-off trophy together at the national stadium. Long linked with a move to the top tier, he is now looking forward to mixing with the heavyweights with his boyhood club.
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Striker search
Nottingham Forest are said to be among a number of Premier League clubs tracking Strasbourg striker Habib Diallo.
It is a big summer transfer window for the Reds as Steve Cooper's side prepare for life in the top-flight, having clinched promotion at Wembley last Sunday. And part of their plans will see them look to add more firepower to the squad.
There is uncertainty over the future of Lewis Grabban as his contract comes to an end, while decisions will need to be made on fellow forwards Lyle Taylor and Nuno Da Costa, who have been out on loan. Forest do have Sam Surridge and Brennan Johnson in their ranks, and they are expected to try to bring Keinan Davis back to the City Ground after he impressed on loan from Aston Villa.
According to ESPN, they are also keen on Diallo, who joined Strasbourg from Metz in October 2020. At the time, the 26-year-old penned a five-year deal for a reported £9million fee.
Defender linked
Nottingham Forest are said to have “set their sights” on French defender Mickael Nade as they plan for life in the Premier League.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis has said he will back boss Steve Cooper in the transfer market as the Reds look to put together a squad capable of holding its own in the top-flight. That will mean plenty of comings and goings once the window opens, amid an important summer at the City Ground.
Centre-back Nade has caught Forest’s eye, according to French website L’Equipe. But they will face competition for the Saint-Etienne man’s services.
Saint-Etienne face a summer overhaul, following relegation from France’s top-flight, with Nade reportedly among the players who could leave. In addition to the Reds, Ligue 1 side Angers are also said to be keen on securing his signature.
Garner advice
Midfielder James Garner would benefit from another loan spell at Nottingham Forest to help him “integrate” into the Premier League, it has been claimed.
The Manchester United youngster has enjoyed an impressive campaign in his second stint on the banks of the Trent. A key figure for Steve Cooper’s team, he played the ball in for the decisive goal at Wembley which secured the club’s return to the top-flight.
He is expected to be assessed by new boss Erik ten Hag when he returns to Old Trafford for pre-season. But Reds CEO Dane Murphy has already expressed a desire to re-sign at least some of the five loanees who helped clinch promotion.
Former United defender Paul Parker says linking up with Cooper at Forest again would be best for Garner’s development. He adds the 21-year-old could find himself as a squad player if he stays with his parent side next term
