The latest Nottingham Forest transfer news as Nuno Espirito Santo’s Reds approach the winter window deadline.
In the waning hours of the winter transfer season, it appears doubtful that Nottingham Forest will sign Brentford striker Yoane Wissa on deadline day.
Last month, the Reds’ proposal for the 28-year-old, estimated to be worth between £18 and £22 million, was rejected. Their Premier League competitors have always stated Wissa is not for sale, and it appears they intend to keep that attitude until tonight’s 11 p.m. deadline.
According to the BBC, the frontman is expected to stay with the Bees. Forest is reported to have become “increasingly pessimistic” about completing a transaction, and the “trail has gone cold”.
With Wissa a primary target for the Reds, it’s possible that the window closes without any significant additions to Nuno Espirito Santo’s team. According to The Athletic, unless “something unexpected” happens, the dressing room will likely remain mostly intact.
If the window closes without reinforcements at the City Ground, head coach Nuno is unlikely to protest. He has repeatedly stated that only “special” targets who can strengthen the squad and fit into the locker room should be evaluated.
The Portuguese have repeatedly referred to this as a challenging window. Rather of spending for the sake of it, Forest has maintained its prudent and deliberate strategy since the summer.
“While the window is open, it remains open. “Anything can happen,” Nuno stated following his team’s 7-0 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday. “But I will reiterate what I have already stated, not just to you (the media) but also to the club: our top goal was to keep the players.
“If it is something truly unique; if it is a piece – a player – that we desperately require and it is feasible, amazing, because we are not flawless, and if someone can assist us, fantastic. But it has to be someone very exceptional.”
Top scorer Chris Wood has been in great form in the Garibaldi, scoring 17 goals this season, including a hat-trick against the Seagulls. Nuno also mentioned a few weeks ago that he is confident that fellow forward Taiwo Awoniyi would be able to regain his form and play an important part in the remainder of the season.
