Deadline day signing Jonjo Shelvey has admitted he had to “plead” with Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe to let him leave for Nottingham Forest.
The midfielder penned a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Reds before the January transfer window closed last week. But it was a move which almost didn’t happen.
Initially, Howe had been reluctant to sanction Shelvey’s departure - not least because he felt a replacement would be needed first. The 30-year-old was determined to get his way, however, and eventually managed to convince the Magpies manager to let him sign for Forest.
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Fornah's thoughts
Nottingham Forest loanee Tyrese Fornah has said he 'would love' to stay at Reading permanently once his loan move is over in the summer.
Fornah joined the Royals from Forest on a season-long-loan at the beginning of the season and has gone on to establish himself as a regular with 22 appearances in the Championship; 16 of which were from the start. Reading is Fornah's fourth loan move away from Forest since his initial transfer to the club's U21s in 2018.
The 23-year-old has made just four appearances for the Reds' first team but has also enjoyed loan spells with Casa Pia, Plymouth Argyle and Shrewsbury Town. Reading were favourites for relegation in pre-season but Fornah has helped Paul Ince's side enjoy a solid campaign thus far and they sit closer to the top six than bottom three.
Speaking to Get Reading, Fornah said he 'would literally sign today' for the Royals if he had the option and is hopeful his long-term future keeps him at the Madejski Stadium.
Keeper competition
PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma believes his competition with Keylor Navas last season helped him 'grow enormously'.
The Italian shotstopper joined from AC Milan in the summer of 2021 but his arrival meant PSG had two world class 'keepers on the books. Mauricio Pochettino, manager at the time, was unable to choose a number one, meaning both players were able to earn regular game time, with Navas making 26 appearances in all competitions.
However, following Christophe Galtier's appointment as manager, that rotation was ended and Donnarumma was picked as PSG's number one, restricting Navas to just two appearances in all competitions. Nottingham Forest then came calling for Navas late in last month's window, a move which he then completed on deadline day after making it clear he wanted the move due to game time.
In an interview with L'Equipe, Donnarumma spoke on the dynamic between himself and Navas, claiming that while the two got on well, he felt it was important a clear number one was chosen.
Colback's contract
Head coach Steve Cooper has praised Jack Colback for the key role he continues to play for Nottingham Forest, but he is tight-lipped over what the future holds for the midfielder.
Illness and a back problem have hampered Colback this season, while increased competition in the centre of the pitch means he has generally had to settle for coming off the bench. That hasn’t stopped him from making a significant contribution, though.
His experience and nous are invaluable for the Reds as they navigate the challenges of top-flight football. And whenever called upon, he has done an excellent job - as was the case when he came on for the second half of last weekend’s 1-0 win over Leeds United.
The 33-year-old is one of several players whose contracts will come to an end in the summer. Decisions will have to be made by the club in the coming months over whether to offer fresh terms or see those concerned walk away as free agents. When it comes to Colback, Cooper has given little away about what could happen.
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