This summer was always going to be a big one at the City Ground, and it has only taken on added importance for Nottingham Forest given how recent events have panned out.
Even before the latest twists and turns, much was riding on the Reds getting their dealings right in order to kick on. Building on last season’s excellent seventh-placed finish when the Premier League action begins is the aim, and to do that Nuno Espirito Santo needs to have a sufficiently-strong squad in place.
Forest lost winger Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United last week. They may yet also lose Morgan Gibbs-White to Tottenham Hotspur.
A complaint has been lodged with the Premier League regarding what the Reds view as an illegal approach for the England international. Chances are, however, this will simply delay a deal rather than stop it entirely.
In the meantime, Forest must consider how to replace at least one - and potentially two - key players. What happens over the coming weeks is sure to have a considerable bearing on the season ahead. Head coach Nuno requires adequate resources to cope with the additional games of a European campaign.
According to the Daily Express, Liverpool youngster Ben Doak has been identified as a potential replacement for Elanga. The Reds are said to have registered their interest in the 19-year-old right-winger.
PSV Eindhoven, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Everton and Brentford have also been linked with the teenager. Doak, who spent last term on loan at Middlesbrough, is reportedly open to leaving Anfield and has a £25 million price tag on his head.
PSV’s Johan Bakayoko had also been identified as a potential candidate to step into Elanga’s shoes. The 22-year-old reportedly did not show up for pre-season training on Monday amid talk about his future, but it appears he is unlikely to make the switch to the City Ground.
Get breaking Forest news sent direct to your phone
Join our Nottingham Forest WhatsApp group and get the latest breaking news, interviews and opinion sent straight to your phone, plus matchday team news and live updates of all the action. Just click here and select ‘Join Community’ to get started. The only proviso is that you must have WhatsApp on your phone to participate. No one will be able to see your personal information and you will only receive messages from the NottinghamshireLive Reds writers.
We will not spam your WhatsApp feed with constant messages, but you will receive updates from us daily with the latest Reds stories. If you later decide to opt out, just go to the name at the top of your screen and click 'Exit Group'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you are curious, you can click here to read our Privacy Notice.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano said on social media: “RB Leipzig are confident to get Johan Bakayoko deal done this week! Negotiations advancing on both player and club side with PSV Eindhoven for the player to join Leipzig project. Bayer Leverkusen are currently far away from any agreement, same as Forest.”
Of another player the Reds admire, Manchester City midfielder James McAtee, Romano said on Monday: “Understand James McAtee is now in Frankfurt to visit Eintracht as potential new club! McAtee assessing his options ahead of move away from Manchester City this summer… and Eintracht are on it.”
Meanwhile, another name has been added to the list of potential Forest targets. Botafogo attacker Thiago Almada is said to have caught the Reds’ eye.
Forest have ‘expressed interest’ in the Argentina international, according to Portuguese publication O Jogo. They are seemingly in a race with Benfica and Atletico Madrid for his signature.
As for potential outgoings, Botafogo are said to be keen on Danilo. And Italian media outlet Calciomercato have reported right-back Eric da Silva Moreira is wanted by Bologna.
How many signings do Forest need this summer? Click HERE to have your say