Nottingham Forest have a few hours left in which to complete any further deals before the January transfer window closes.
Some ins and outs are expected at the City Ground before tonight’s 11pm deadline, as head coach Steve Cooper puts the finishing touches to his squad for the second half of the season. The Welshman wants to end the window with sufficient strength in depth across the pitch, to give his team the best possible chance of securing survival.
Injuries have significantly affected the club’s transfer plans. The Reds have had to contend with a number of long-term absentees and key players being sidelined.
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Among those currently out of action is goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who has been ruled out for between four to five weeks with a thigh problem. That has led to Forest targeting PSG’s Keylor Navas as cover.
A centre-back has been on the club’s shopping list all month. And Atletico Madrid's Felipe has emerged as the man to fill that void.
Midfielder Jonjo Shelvey underwent a medical yesterday with a view to joining from Newcastle United. And the Reds could also look to add to their attacking arsenal before the deadline, with Santos’ teenage winger Angelo Gabriel and FC Cincinnati forward Brenner linked.
Forest were already over the limit of their 25-man Premier League squad for the first half of the season, with Cafu, Lyle Taylor and Harry Arter being left off the list. The trio would be free to leave, if moves materialise before the window closes, but others will also have to make way for any incomings.
Summer signings Lewis O’Brien and Harry Toffolo look set to head out on loan. Emmanuel Dennis’ future has also been in doubt, but because he has already played for the Reds and Watford this season, his options are limited.
So far this month, free agent Gustavo Scarpa, promising midfielder Danilo and Newcastle loanee Chris Wood have been brought in. Alex Mighten is also part of the squad again, after his spell at Sheffield Wednesday was cut short.
Heading in the opposite direction, Loic Bade’s loan was terminated early without him playing a single game, while Loic Mbe Soh will spend the second half of the season with French side Guingamp, having struggled to get a look-in. Josh Bowler’s stint with Olympiacos was terminated and he rejoined former club Blackpool on loan, while youngsters Dale Taylor, Aaron Donnelly and Ateef Konate have all secured loan moves.
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