Nottingham Forest have an important couple of days ahead as they gear up for a big game on the banks of the Trent and the end of the summer transfer window.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have made an unbeaten start to their Premier League campaign and will be eager to keep that run going this afternoon (Sunday). They host West Ham United today at the City Ground (2pm kick-off).
After the clash with the Hammers, attention will then turn to deadline day. Clubs have until 7pm tomorrow (Monday) to get any remaining deals over the line.
The Reds still have a bit of manoeuvring to do on that front. They have overseen some excellent business so far but need to put a few finishing touches to their squad.
Amid everything going on, head coach Nuno’s job continues to be the subject of speculation. The Portuguese’s future has been in doubt for the past week due to a falling out behind the scenes.
For many reasons, it has the makings of being a key few days for Forest. Below, NottinghamshireLive sets out the work to be done.
Gaps to fill
The Reds have the basis of a strong squad in place thanks to the signings already made. Ensuring they have strength in depth across the pitch has always been the aim this summer as they prepare to compete in Europe for the first time in three decades.
Cash has been splashed and quality - along with potential - has been recruited. Nuno’s dressing room has plenty of promise and the signs point to an exciting campaign.
Forest still have a few gaps to fill, however. Nuno pointed to three further additions being required after last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.
He wants two full-backs, to provide cover and competition for Ola Aina and Neco Williams, and another goalkeeper. Angus Gunn has already arrived on a free transfer as back-up to No.1 Matz Sels but Nuno is keen to have three senior stoppers on the books.
Additionally, the Reds have been credited with an interest in recruiting another winger. Strasbourg’s Dilane Bakwa has emerged as a key target, although the French outfit appear to be driving a hard bargain when it comes to efforts to prise him away.
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Rift to heal
Talk about Nuno’s job being at risk emerged last Friday and a number of names have been linked with the role since. The man himself fanned the flames when he suggested there was ‘no smoke without fire’ in an extraordinary press conference a few hours after the rumour first broke.
Nuno admitted to a breakdown in his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis, but it is with recently-appointed global head of football Edu where his dispute really lies. The two men do not get on and have reportedly disagreed over the club’s transfer policy.
By the time Forest faced the Eagles at Selhurst Park last Sunday, Nuno did at least appear to make an attempt to smooth things over. He outlined an intention to hold clear-the-air talks with Marinakis and Edu, and said a return to harmony was possible.
It remains to be seen whether Nuno’s off-field rift can be healed. But with this season holding so much excitement and promise, surely it would be best all round if a way forward can be negotiated by all concerned.
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Exits to negotiate
By and large, the Reds have been able to hang on to their prized assets this summer. Losing Anthony Elanga was a blow but other key players have been retained - and in the case of Morgan Gibbs-White tied down to a bumper new contract.
Forest will want to make sure winger Callum Hudson-Odoi follows suit in putting pen to paper soon. His deal is due to expire next year and the club will not want to see him walk away for nothing.
Strengthening the dressing room has been the big focus of the window, but there has also been room for a spot of squad trimming. Further departures are anticipated before the curtain comes down on the window.
Nuno doesn’t want to have players left on the sidelines kicking their heels. He has namechecked Omar Richards and Eric da Silva Moreira as two in line to move on in order to secure game time. Jota Silva could also depart while moves will be sought for out-of-favour duo Emmanuel Dennis and Josh Bowler.
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