After the 3-0 triumph over Liverpool at Anfield last weekend, the feel-good factor is well and truly back at Nottingham Forest under the keen eye of Sean Dyche.
The hometown hero has installed a reason to be proud of the first-team squad once again after Ange Postecoglou’s failed attempts to make the Reds a force to be reckoned with.
Back-to-back victories have teed the side up perfectly for the latest Europa League clash with Malmö, which is no doubt going to be a meeting for the ages.
Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche looks on
However, the bigger picture will certainly be coming into view over the next few weeks, with the transfer window creeping on the horizon and opening in a little over a month’s time.
Numerous players have already been touted with a winter move to the City Ground, with Evangelos Marinakis looking set to get his chequebook out once again after the summer spending spree.
Nottingham Forest’s hunt for January additions
Over the last couple of weeks, Forest have been touted with a surprise reunion with James Garner, after the midfielder spent two years on loan with the Reds in the Championship.
He’s since moved to Everton, plying his trade under Dyche, which no doubt will have pushed the rumours over a potential switch back to the East Midlands this winter.
Everton's James Garner during the warm up before the match
The 24-year-old has played every minute in England’s top-flight to date, with the Toffees unlikely to sanction his departure away from Merseyside this window.
However, he’s not the only Englishman in the hierarchy’s sights at present, with Brighton star Jack Hinshelwood another player being targeted by Dyche and Co.
According to the Daily Mail, Forest have made the 20-year-old their top target for January, after only featuring in four Premier League games for the Seagulls in 2025/26.
The report also states that the youngster, who’s an England U21 international, is happy at the AMEX at present, whilst also failing to mention the rumoured fee it would take to prise him away from Fabian Hurzeler’s squad, although Transfermarkt value him at around £21m.
Why Hinshelwood would be perfect alongside Anderson
Back in the summer of 2024, many Forest fans would have been unaware of the talent of Elliot Anderson, but it’s safe to say his success is recognised more than just at the City Ground in the present day.
anderson-casemiro
The 23-year-old arrived in a PSR deal from Newcastle United, which saw goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos moving in the opposite direction - with the Reds paying a net £15m for his signature.
18 months on, such a deal could be one of the best in the club’s history, with the midfielder now a full England international and currently being valued at the £100m mark.
He’s featured in every minute of the Premier League campaign to date, subsequently ranking at the top of countless stats compared to other midfielders in the division.
Anderson has been partnered by various players at the heart of the side, but he may have the perfect partner should the hierarchy complete a deal for Hinshelwood in the coming months.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Jack Hinshelwood and Georginio Rutter
The 20-year-old’s stats from the ongoing campaign highlight the talent he possesses, with such a deal potentially being yet another excellent piece of business.
Hinshelwood, who’s been dubbed a “superstar” by content creator Ryan Adsett, has made 2.8 tackles per 90 and won 64% of the duels he’s entered - arguably being an excellent ball-winning option.
Jack Hinshelwood - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Tackles made
Duels won
Recoveries made
Aerials won
Chances created
Stats via FotMob
Such numbers would be perfect for Anderson, which could allow him to be freed up and continue his vein of completing the most passes into the final third per 90 of any player in the Premier League this season.
As for the Seagulls star, he’s also made a staggering 5.6 recoveries per 90 along with 1.7 aerial duels won - further showcasing his incredible ability without the ball.
However, the 20-year-old has also showcased his ability to pop up with a goal at key moments, with the youngster finding the winner in the clash against Brentford last weekend.
As previously mentioned, it’s unclear whether a deal for the Englishman could be agreed, but it would be a move that would add serious defensive quality to the current midfield.
jack-hinshelwood-brighton
The prospect of Hinshelwood starring alongside Anderson is certainly one for the fans to get excited about, which could see the club be the home to two of the country's brightest talents.
Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood Related
[Nottingham Forest can sign Wood 2.0 in "one of the best STs in Europe"](https://www.footballfancast.com/nottingham-forest-can-sign-next-wood-in-samu/ "Nottingham Forest can sign Wood 2.0 in "one of the best STs in Europe"")
Sean Dyche could unearth his next Chris Wood in a Nottingham Forest swoop for this impressive marksman.