Nottingham Forest has a busy January transfer window as they try to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League standings.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team has been in excellent form, but overseeing the correct acquisitions this month is especially important. The Reds’ head coach recognizes that too much disruption might be detrimental to his side.
With clubs able to conduct business, the rumour mill is in full flow. Here is a roundup of the most recent Forest transfer news and gossip.
Aina’s interest
Ola Aina, a Reds defender, continues to garner interest as clubs monitor his contract situation. The Nigeria international’s current contract expires in the summer, and he is now free to talk with foreign clubs.
Forest are thought to be confident of securing Aina, as well as striker Chris Wood, but the full-back’s future remains uncertain. Manchester City has been linked, and now Galatasaray is rumored to be interested.
Turkish reports are not generally credible, but Aina is believed to be on the club’s wish list. Nonetheless, it is acknowledged that reaching an agreement would be difficult.
According to Kutlu Akpınar, a reporter for Galatasaray, the club is looking for a right-back. One of these names is Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina. Galatasaray has not made an official offer for this player yet, but he is one of those they are interested in. I see it as a difficult transfer.”
Omobamidele exit?
Centre-back Andrew Omobamidele has struggled for game time in the Garibaldi this season. He has made just one appearance thus far and that was back in August, against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.
A huge exodus from the City Ground is unlikely this month, as Forest do not have much fat to cut after laying the groundwork over the summer. Loans to assure regular football for some players, like Omobamidele, may be considered.
According to The Telegraph, the 22-year-old is “poised” to go on, with Leeds United being a “possible destination”. It had already been suggested that the Championship club may renew their interest in Omobamidele, who was apparently wanted in the summer.
Daniel Farke, the defender’s manager, worked with him at Norwich City. Farke has remarked of prospective business this month: “We won’t risk anything with lots of business, so I expect a pretty calm and quiet January.”
Marmoush regrets
When it comes to Omar Marmoush, it’s still a question of what may have been. The Reds reportedly made two approaches for the Eintracht Frankfurt forward in the summer but were unable to secure his transfer.
Many of Forest’s Premier League opponents appear to be eager to try their luck now that the 25-year-old’s stock has skyrocketed in recent months. Earlier this week, it was rumored that Manchester City was “pondering a move” for Marmoush, but it appears Arsenal is in pole position to sign him.
According to GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal might “leapfrog to the front of the queue” for the front man. According to the source, “there are doubts” about Liverpool making a move for him because their top goal is to negotiate a new contract for Mohamed Salah. According to reports, Eintracht Frankfurt “will hold out” for up to £50 million for their great player in order to retain him.
On the move
Former Red Ben Brereton Diaz might be on the move again, just months after joining Southampton from Villarreal. The 25-year-old has failed to score this season, and it appears a return to familiar ground is on the cards.
According to Sky Sports, Sheffield United want the Chile international back at Bramall Lane. He spent the second part of last season on loan with the Blades, scoring six goals in 14 appearances. United sought to sign Brereton Diaz permanently once his loan period expired, but he chose to move to the south coast instead when he departed Villarreal.
