Head coach Steve Cooper hopes Nottingham Forest can get some transfer business done early in January as he deals with a growing injury list.
But he acknowledges the reality might be somewhat trickier as much emphasis is placed on ensuring the right signings are made next month. The Reds have already had to navigate the challenges which came with getting a new-look group to gel following a summer overhaul, but they know a few key additions in the winter window could boost their survival bid.
Their plans have also been impacted by the number of long-term absentees now out of action. Giulian Biancone is ruled out for the rest of the campaign, while Omar Richards, Moussa Niakhate and Cheikhou Kouyate are also on the treatment table. It is “inconclusive” how long Morgan Gibbs-White will be ruled out for with a calf problem, and Jesse Lingard is a doubt for Sunday’s clash against Chelsea.
READ MORE: Transfer challenge facing Forest outlined as Cooper sets January priority
READ MORE: Forest face six big transfer decisions ahead of January window
That leaves Forest targeting reinforcements at centre-back, in midfield and in attack, in addition to having already brought in Gustavo Scarpa on a free transfer. But Cooper also wants players who could slot straight into the XI, to help a side which currently sits 19th in the table.
“It has changed a little bit because of the injuries, yes,” he said of the club’s transfer plans. “But also, we’ve been able to really look at what we think we’ve got already and where we think we need to improve.
“The other thing, let’s be honest, is we are playing in the Premier League and a lot of people are experiencing it for the first time. Game in, game out, you quickly realise what you need in your team to give yourselves the best chance of competing. That’s the other caveat that goes into it.
“It’s exciting. It’s something we are enjoying.
“My focus on a day to day basis is on training and the process we have around training for the players who are coming in at the moment. If that changes a little bit with the squad, then we’ll deal with that. But that will be the same for every club in the transfer window.
“You’re always hopeful of getting things done quickly. But to get things done, a lot of things need to be aligned. Even if one of those things, out of the many, are not, then the whole thing can be delayed, break down or go in a different direction.
“Any manager would say, ‘the sooner, the better’, if we want players in. But it’s never as simple as that.”
What transfer business should Forest do in January? Have your say in the comments below
READ NEXT
