Nuno Espirito Santo’s focus remains firmly on matters on the pitch but a key transfer window is just around the corner for Nottingham Forest.
The Reds have a strong squad already in place thanks to some excellent business done in the summer. That work has paid off as Nuno’s men sit fourth in the table ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brentford (3pm kick-off).
It means overseeing the right January deals carries added importance as Forest look to build on those foundations, so we've run the rule over some of the big decisions facing the club as the winter window looms...
Keeper call
Back in the summer, there was a reshuffle between the posts Trentside. No 1 Matz Sels remained in place but Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos departed, while Carlos Miguel put pen to paper for the Reds.
Forest did try to bring in another goalkeeper towards the end of the window. Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher was on the club’s wanted list, only for a cash-plus-player offer - reportedly made up of £7 million and Turner - to be rebuffed.
Unable to get a deal for another keeper over the line, the Reds were left with two senior stoppers (Sels and Miguel) in the dressing room rather than the usual three. They have a decision to make over whether to change that next month.
Sels’ form might come into the equation as the Belgian has been superb. On the other hand, Forest will not want to be left short of options should injury or suspension hit.
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Out-of-contract players
The Reds have been in talks with Chris Wood and Ola Aina about extending their stays. Both are due to become free agents in the summer when their current deals expire.
However, the duo are not the only players whose contracts run until 2025. Willy Boly, Harry Toffolo and Jonathan Panzo are in the same situation.
Where Boly is concerned, the club have an option to extend his terms by a further 12 months. However, the centre-back has been linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia.
Rumours about the futures of Toffolo and Panzo have been in short supply but it would come as no surprise to see both depart. January is the final opportunity for Forest to cash-in, rather than see those affected walk away for nothing at the end of the campaign.
Loans needed?
Consistency in team selection has been integral to the brilliant start to the season for Nuno’s men. But it does mean some players have seen more game time than others.
The Portuguese has consistently stressed that everyone in his squad will have a part to play. Few epitomise that more than centre-back Morato, who has turned coming on and helping to see games out into an art form.
Might a loan spell benefit some players, though? Andrew Omobamidele, for example, has made just a single appearance this term - against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup back in August. Summer signing Eric da Silva Moreira has featured three times.
Both are young players with plenty of potential - Omobamidele is 22 and Moreira only 18. There is a call to be made over whether regular game time might aid their development, but that must be balanced against retaining strength in depth.
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Striker choice
Up front is the obvious area in need of strengthening as the Reds look to kick on. Chris Wood has been scoring goals for fun but could do with some help, particularly as Taiwo Awoniyi is yet to really get going.
Bringing in a forward was also on the agenda back in the summer. But despite having a number of players on their radar, Forest were not able to bolster that department.
The decision not to splash the cash simply for the sake of it was a wise one, but should the club consider going big in January?
The winter window can often be a tricky one to operate in, with selling clubs usually holding all the cards. Strikers cost a premium at the best of times, but even more so at that time of year. Getting someone in could make a big difference to Nuno’s side, though - particularly as there is the potential of pushing on for European football.
What transfer business should Forest do in January? Click HERE to have your say