Nottingham Forest have less than a week in which to put the finishing touches to their squad for the second half of the season.
So far this month, the Reds have brought in Brazilian duo Gustavo Scarpa and Danilo, along with on-loan Newcastle United striker Chris Wood. But they are still looking to do further business before the window closes at 11pm next Tuesday.
Head coach Steve Cooper has said he anticipates incomings and outgoings at the City Ground in the coming days. The Welshman wants to ensure he has sufficient strength in depth to aid his team’s survival mission.
READ MORE: Forest have clear priority ahead of deadline as cup defeat was 'own doing'
READ MORE: Forest admission made as Cooper sets approach for United second leg
Injuries have had a big impact on the club’s plans, and they continue to do so. Transfer windows are rarely straightforward, and Forest now find themselves weighing up whether to sign a goalkeeper to cover for Dean Henderson’s absence.
It is hoped Henderson might not be out for too long with a thigh problem, so deciding whether to bring in another shot-stopper is not necessarily an easy call to make. It seems likely the Reds will go down that path, however, with PSG’s Keylor Navas on their radar.
Cooper hoped Moussa Niakhate - as well as Omar Richards - would return to full training soon, having been sidelined since August with a hamstring injury. But a centre-back remains on Forest’s shopping list.
Wood offers a different option up front, but the Reds could also still do with strengthening their attacking resources. Everton winger Anthony Gordon has been linked, but it seems Newcastle are in the driving seat to clinch his signature.
Forest were already at the limit of their 25-man Premier League squad prior to the window opening. The departure of Loic Bade and a season-ending injury to Giulian Biancone opens up a couple of spots, but if further signings are made, others will have to make way.
The rumour mill has been quiet around Harry Arter, Lyle Taylor and Cafu. The trio were not included in the 25-man list and would be allowed to move on.
Meanwhile, there has been speculation about the future of Emmanuel Dennis. Cooper previously dismissed rumours of an exit, but did add: “If things change in the next few weeks with any of these boys, anything can happen.” The former Watford forward was not in the squad for the 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, and didn’t exactly stake a claim for more minutes during his cameo appearance against Manchester United on Wednesday night.
A move could be on the horizon for Reds loanee Hwang Ui-jo. It looks likely his Olympiacos loan will be cut short - as was the case with Josh Bowler’s.
Because the South Korean has already represented Bordeaux and Olympiacos this season, his options are limited. Bowler found himself in the same situation and returned to Blackpool, while Dennis would also have the same issue if he moves on.
MLS side Minnesota are said to have made an official proposal for Ui-jo. Other clubs are also reportedly showing an interest.
Meanwhile, a decision is still yet to be made on where fellow summer signing Brandon Aguilera will move to. After putting pen to paper for Forest, he joined Guanacasteca on a six-month deal, but is yet to settle upon his next destination. His agent has said playing in Europe “is a priority”.
What transfer business should Forest do before the window closes? Have your say in the comments below
READ NEXT
