Nottingham Forest already have their eye on potential January transfer business, it has been claimed.
It proved to be a busy summer window for the Reds as they shuffled Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad. They strengthened in all departments as 13 new faces came through the City Ground doors, while a clutch of players headed in the opposite direction as part of the shake-up.
Head coach Nuno now has a strong squad at his disposal and plenty of options across the pitch. But although the dust has barely settled on a hectic deadline day, Forest are said to be plotting what they will need to do when the winter window opens.
According to CaughtOffside, the Reds have highly-regarded Manchester City youngster Nico O’Reilly on their radar. The versatile 20-year-old, who is predominantly a midfielder but can also play at left-back, enjoyed a breakthrough season last term and that has seemingly put him firmly in the spotlight.
Earlier in the summer reports suggested O’Reilly had reached an agreement in principle with City over a new contract. His current deal is due to expire in 2028.
However, talk about the England Under-20 international agreeing fresh terms at the Etihad Stadium has not quietened speculation about his future. Clubs across Europe are said to be circling, with Forest among them.
Bayer Leverkusen reportedly remain keen, following their summer interest in O’Reilly. Lyon, Leeds United and Brighton and Hove Albion are also said to be keeping tabs on him.
City boss Pep Guardiola has previously said of the academy graduate: "He's an attacking midfielder. When you play him as a full-back and the game is quick with transitions, he can arrive. When you go left-right, right-left with a lot of passes you give him time to arrive there and as an attacking midfielder he's always there."
The Reds brought in James McAtee from City in August. The 22-year-old has made two substitute appearances in the Garibaldi so far following his £30 million switch.
Forest also added Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha, Dan Ndoye, Angus Gunn, Omari Hutchinson, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Douglas Luiz, Nicolo Savona, John Victor, Cuiabano, Dilane Bakwa and Oleksandr Zinchenko to their ranks before the summer window closed. Cuiabano has since rejoined Botafogo on loan.
Recruiting young players with the potential to improve and increase in value has formed a key part of the club’s transfer strategy in recent windows. They maintained that approach this time around but also ensured they were left with a balance of youth and experience.
Ensuring Nuno was left with sufficient strength in depth to challenge on four fronts was a big focus of the Reds’ transfer work. They are preparing to compete in Europe for the first time in three decades, with their Europa League campaign kicking off later this month.
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