Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo says progress is being made in Nottingham Forest’s efforts to tie Ola Aina down to a new deal.
The full-back has been a key player for the Reds since joining as a free agent in the summer of 2023. However, his current contract is due to expire at the end of this season.
Forest have been in talks with Aina about keeping him at the club as they look to avoid him walking away for nothing in a few months’ time. And Nuno has made it clear he is keen for the Nigeria international to stay put.
“I think things are going well. I am a coach, I give my opinion,” the Portuguese said when asked about Aina’s contract situation.
“We love what Ola is doing. We love him as a player and as a person, but other people in the club take care of those discussions.”
Aina has been a regular starter since his switch to the City Ground and he is a popular member of the dressing room. His presence in a settled back line has been integral amid a strong start to the campaign for the Reds.
When suggestions of a new contract being in the offing emerged earlier this season, Aina said in September: "All I can say is I am really happy at Forest. Fantastic club, I feel at home and we're just building.
"I'm building, the club's building. Let's just see what happens in the future."
Forest have a number of other players whose contracts are also due to expire in the summer as things stand. Striker Chris Wood, centre-back Willy Boly, left-back Harry Toffolo and on-loan defender Jonathan Panzo also have deals set to run out in 2025.
The club are eager to retain the services of Wood but it would not be a surprise if Boly, Toffolo and Panzo move on in the near future. Boly is reportedly of interest to Saudi Arabian side Al Riyadh, who are managed by former Reds boss Sabri Lamouchi.
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