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Nottingham Forest face a frantic finish to the transfer market as Steve Cooper pushes to agree some last-gasp signings and sanctions a few outgoings from the City Ground.
The Reds remain active in the last few hours of the window after a slow start to the 2023/24 Premier League season. Cooper has overseen one win in Nottingham Forest’s opening three games to two defeats. The East Midlands side also wasted a 2-0 lead at Manchester United.
Cooper is aware of his need for last-minute additions to see Nottingham Forest build in their second season back in the top tier. The Reds avoided relegation by four points last term with 38 from 38 games. But they took just nine wins and scored a mere 38 goals to 68 conceded.
Nottingham Forest have already secured transfers for Anthony Elanga to bolster their attack and Gonzalo Montiel to improve their defence. Matt Turner also left Arsenal for the Reds to replace former loanee, Dean Henderson, in their goal. But Cooper will work to the deadline.
City Ground chiefs are backing Cooper to cement their status as a Premier League club with some last-gasp moves. So, with that in mind, who could Nottingham Forest sign on deadline day and what outgoing transfers sit on Cooper’s desk waiting for him to give the green light?
Nottingham Forest’s potential transfer deadline day signings
Well, one potential deadline day incoming is a last-minute transfer to Nottingham Forest for PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ibrahim Sangare. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Reds pushed ahead with talks in London on Thursday in an attempt to secure the 25-year-old’s signature.
Sangare would offer Cooper a quality reinforcement for his engine room capable of scoring regularly. He already has two goals and one assist in seven games so far this term. The 31-cap Ivory Coast anchor also offered eight goals and three assists during 45 games last term.
Cooper also has eyes on Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, according to Graeme Bailey. The Reds are also close to reaching an agreement for the Nigeria international, who won the FA Cup in 2021. He has featured 243 times for the Foxes and offered 13 goals and 13 assists.
Talks also remain ongoing between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal to reunite Nuno Tavares with Turner. Dharmesh Sheth notes that the Reds are pushing to secure an initial loan move for the left-back. It will also include an option for Forest to buy the 23-year-old next summer.
Turney may even face new competition between the City Ground sticks. Romano also claims that Nottingham Forest have agreed personal terms with Odysseas Vlachodimos to leave SL Benfica. Talks are now ongoing between the two teams to finalise a fee for the shot-stopper.
According to The Telegraph, Cooper may also sign a new defender on deadline day in Taylor Harwood-Bellis of Manchester City. Nottingham Forest are attempting to rival Southampton to sign the 21-year-old on loan. But the Saints are leading the race for his last-minute arrival.
Offensive reinforcements are possible, too, as Sheth also notes that Chelsea product Callum Hudson-Odoi wants to join Nottingham Forest. The Reds are close to reaching an agreement with the Blues for his switch, as well. The 22-year-old last played for Chelsea in March 2022.
One possible deadline day signing may also influence an outgoing transfer from Nottingham Forest, too. Romano notes that Nico Dominguez is set to join the Reds for €9-10m (£8-8.5m) from Bologna. While Remo Freuler will head in the opposite direction in an initial loan deal.
Four players who could still leave the City Ground
Bologna will secure an option to buy Freuler from Nottingham Forest in their likely deadline day deal. The 31-year-old is also already in Italy for his medical after jetting over to the Serie A side on Wednesday night. It marks a swift return to Italy for the ex-Atalanta BC midfielder.
Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, are closing in on a £50m deal to sign Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest, per The Times. The Wales forward favours a transfer to Spurs to play for Ange Postecoglou over interest at Brentford. Davinson Sanchez may join Forest in exchange.
Emmanuel Dennis might be on his way out, too, as Gianluca Di Marzio reports Udinese will make one last push. The Bianconeri are closing in on a deal for Keinan Davis but they have not given up hope of also signing Dennis. The Nigerian is yet to feature for Cooper this term.
Closer to home, Nottingham Forest outcast Jonjo Shelvey may get a move to Leeds United in the Championship. TEAMtalk reports that the Elland Road natives have eyes on his plight at the City Ground. The Reds are also open to offers for the 31-year-old they signed in January.