Nottingham Forest face a vital few days as the January window deadline approaches.
On the pitch, Nuno Espirito Santo’s team face Brighton & Hove Albion at home on Saturday (12.30pm kick-off) in a crucial Premier League battle. Off the pitch, the Reds are aware that time is running out to finalise any transfer moves.
Clubs have till 11 p.m. on Monday (February 3) to finish up their winter business. With that in mind, here is a look at the most recent Forest news and gossip.
O’Brien Links
Lewis O’Brien is expected to leave the City Ground before the window closes. Burnley, Blackburn Rovers, and Hull City have previously been mentioned with an interest in the midfielder, while Preston North End was connected earlier this week.
Paul Heckingbottom, the Lilywhites’ manager, admires O’Brien and had previously pursued him while in charge of Sheffield United. Furthermore, an injury to captain Ben Whiteman is claimed to have opened up a midfield spot. When asked about possible transfer business at Deepdale, Heckingbottom told the Lancashire Post: “You’d always want one, but affording one and getting one are completely different.”
He continued, “We’re constantly working hard. We don’t usually initiate anything toward the end of the window. So we’re headed by the clubs.
“But the degree of frenzied action that is typically required, or that people believe they must perform at the end of the window, invariably has a knock-on impact. So I would have expected we’d be participating in some way. We always are.”
‘Special search’
Forest will not overspend in the last days of the window. Nuno has stated that only players who can improve the squad and integrate into a close-knit dressing room will be considered as possible targets.
The Portuguese are completely unconcerned with the lack of new arrivals at the City Ground. The Reds are aware of the risks of disturbing squad harmony by doing too much business, therefore they have extremely strict criteria for appraising every potential transaction.
“We just finished the training session – this is what is more important,” Nuno remarked when questioned about prospective moves ahead of Monday’s 11 p.m. deadline. “The club members are working on what they need to concentrate on, while we are focusing on team preparation.
“Our approach was always consistent. It was basically that someone who came to help us had to be different and fit in with the team, someone who brought a different choice or answer.
“That was our approach as a coaching staff, and now the club has to work. It is difficult to operate in this transfer window. But it’s always the same; someone has to be unique.”
McAtee move?
Forest could “pounce” for in-demand Manchester City teenager James McAtee before the January window closes, it has been claimed. The Reds have had their eye on him for some time, and one source claims they are considering whether to increase their interest.
According to GIVEMESPORT, the Reds are one of the clubs “in the mix to pounce” on the midfielder. According to reports, they are considering “jumping to the front of the queue” in order to provide the 22-year-old with more Premier League game time.
Crystal Palace and West Ham United are thought to be in the similar situation, while Brighton is “keeping tabs” on the situation. Any possible suitors, however, will most likely face a difficult task in removing McAtee from the Etihad Stadium.
According to The Telegraph, German club Bayer Leverkusen was in pole position to sign the former England youth international, but a formal loan offer was refused. According to GMS, City would be willing to listen to offers around £25 million but are unlikely to change their attitude because manager Pep Guardiola is “more than happy” to keep the player.
Positive deal.
As Forest attempt to add to Nuno’s squad before the market closes, one of the club’s summer arrivals is about to hit a major milestone. If Jota Silva plays against the Seagulls this weekend, it will be his 250th career game.
The winger began his career with Portuguese team Sousense, and club president Pedro Carvalho is overjoyed that one of his former pupils has reached such an impressive milestone. Carvalho believes Jota, 25, has had a decent first half of the season as he adjusts to English football.
“Definitely extremely positive,” he added. “He’s been used in every game, has provided goals and assists when he’s started, and is having an impact on the team, which is prospering.
“The transition to English football, the most competitive league in the world, necessitates significant adaptation, and expecting more from Jota in his debut season is unrealistic. Forest are without a doubt one of the Premier League’s greatest revelations. They’re enjoying a fantastic season and have already broken into the mix for European competition, significantly exceeding expectations at the start of the season.”
