Nottingham Forest appear to be making moves in the transfer market ahead of the players returning for pre-season next month.
It has been a relatively quiet start to the summer window for the Reds. However, plenty of work has been going on behind the scenes and a few potential deals seem to be gaining momentum.
The goal for Forest is to ensure they end the window with sufficient strength in depth to cope with the rigours of European football. Competing in the UEFA Conference League next season will bring additional games, and for that head coach Nuno Espirito Santo requires additional resources.
To hold their own on the continent and to maintain their progress on the domestic front, the Reds need options. Nuno needs to have a strong bench to call upon and to be able to rotate his starting XI.
If Forest can keep hold of the core of the dressing room they will have a strong base to build on. Indeed, retaining the services of their star men could prove just as important as any signings the club make.
On that front, a reported £45 million bid for Anthony Elanga from Newcastle United has already been rejected. But with a long way to go before the September 1 deadline, the Magpies may revisit the matter. The likes of Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Murillo also have their admirers.
For the time being, however, the focus is on players who could soon arrive at the City Ground. Striker Igor Jesus confirmed a little while ago he will leave Botafogo for the Reds after the Club World Cup.
Reports suggest there is a question mark over whether he will be joined by centre-back teammate Jair Cunha. Meanwhile, it appears Forest have work to do to make it a triple swoop from the Brazilian side as left-back Cuiabano is also wanted by Brighton and Hove Albion.
The club seem to be closer to snapping up Juventus pair Timothy Weah and Samuel Mbangula. Italian media have claimed a €25m (£21m) double deal is in the works.
Nuno particularly likes versatile players so Weah would fit right in Trentside. The American can operate as a winger, an attacking midfielder or at right-back.
Mbangula is a speedy winger who primarily plays on the left. However, he can take up position on the right or as a second striker if required.
Nuno generally utilised a 4-2-3-1 system last term as Forest finished seventh in the Premier League, but he did prove flexible with his tactics. Below, NottinghamshireLive takes a look at some of the ways the Reds could line up in 2025/26 if they get some key deals over the line.
Option 1
Forest XI (4-2-3-1): Sels; Weah, Milenkovic, Murillo, Aina; Sangare, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Mbangula; Jesus.
Option 2
Forest XI (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Dominguez, Anderson; Weah, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus.
Option 3
Forest XI (3-4-1-2): Sels; Jair, Milenkovic, Murillo; Weah, Sangare, Anderson, Williams; Gibbs-White; Elanga, Wood.
Option 4
Forest XI (4-3-3): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Cuiabano; Anderson, Sangare, Dominguez; Elanga, Wood, Mbangula.
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