With Nottingham Forest returning to action after the World Cup break this week, attention will soon turn to the winter transfer window.
January will not be anywhere near as busy as the summer, when the Reds made 22 signings and a number of players headed in the opposite direction. But the club will look to do some business as they battle to secure top-flight survival.
Given they are already at the limits of the permitted 25-man Premier League squad, any incomings would also require players leaving to make way. With that in mind, we have taken a look at some of those players who could head elsewhere in January.
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Cafu
The midfielder became something of a cult hero last season. Fans appreciated his clear passion for the club, his crucial play-off semi-final penalty and his willingness to always get stuck in.
He remains a popular figure. However, he was left out of the 25-man Premier League squad, and also wasn’t involved in the Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
His contract runs out at the end of the campaign. But it could be that he moves on before then, with securing game time no doubt on his mind.
Lyle Taylor
Like Cafu, the striker was not listed in the 25-man squad. Given he spent the second half of last term on loan at Birmingham City and Forest added to their attacking ranks in the summer, that decision didn’t come as too much of a surprise.
His situation is unlikely to have changed come January. And with his deal also coming to an end in the summer of 2023, it would be a chance for the club to try to get some cash for the front man before he is able to walk away for nothing.
Harry Arter
Moving on the midfielder has been on the Reds’ wish-list for a while. He has not been part of the first-team set-up for some time.
Finding a new club is easier said than done when he is not playing, however. Promotion resulted in an automatic contract extension which means his deal now runs until 2024.
Loic Mbe Soh
Fenerbahce made a late push to sign him in the summer. And the Turkish outfit have been tipped to reignite their interest in January, while French side Guingamp and Olympiacos have been mooted as possible destinations.
He has struggled to get much of a look-in since he made the move from PSG two years ago, with his only appearance this season coming at Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup. At 21, he’s at an age where he really needs to be playing.
Loic Bade
Speculation persists that the defender's season-long loan will be cut short next month. He has been unable to force his way into Cooper's plans since joining from Rennes on deadline day.
Forest hold an option to buy, but reports have emerged that an agreement has been struck with his parent club not to play him, so as not to scupper a January switch. Players are permitted to only play for two teams in one season and the Frenchman has already turned out for Rennes. Sevilla and Salernitana have been credited with an interest.
Julian Larsson
Reports in Greece have suggested the versatile Under-21s player is set to link up with Olympiacos' B team. The Swede has been a regular in the Reds' youth ranks but has found it tough to make the breakthrough at senior level. He is unlikely to be the only youngster on the move in January, as the club look to secure minutes for some of the next generation of talent.
What transfer business should Forest do in January? Have your say in the comments below
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