In a deal that could see them replace Morgan Gibbs-White, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly set to make a serious move to sign a want-away Premier League midfielder this summer.
Nottingham Forest clarify Marinakis outburst
Whilst Nottingham Forest's 2-2 draw against Leicester City last weekend secured their Europa League qualification at the same time that their Champions League fate fell out of their hands, it was owner Evangelos Marinakis who stole the headlines. Marching onto the pitch at full-time, the Greek owner was seen exchanging words with manager Nuno Espirito Santo in a moment which instantly garnered criticism.
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Since then, however, the Midlands club have clarified the controversial moment - revealing that Marinakis' frustration was directed at the medical staff who allowed Taiwo Awoniyi to continue before he came off injured not long after. The forward has now reportedly undergone the first part of urgent surgery after an abdominal injury and has been placed in an induced coma with the rest of the procedure due to be completed.
Following a moment full of emotions around a concerning injury, Marinakis also released his own statement on the matter, which read: “Everybody – coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself – we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgement on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game. This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club. Let’s all be grateful, passionate and keep on dreaming!”
The Nottingham Forest owner, like many around European football, are now simply hoping to see Awoniyi make a full recovery.
Nottingham Forest set to make serious McAtee move
Amidst the headlines away from the pitch, those at the City Ground did have Europa League qualification to appreciate last weekend and could put that to instant use in the transfer market.
According to TeamTalk editor James Marshment, Nottingham Forest are now set to make a serious move to sign James McAtee, who is reportedly looking to leave Manchester City this summer. In pole position, Forest's move for the midfielder certainly makes sense amid rumours that Gibbs-White could be heading in the opposite direction.
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What's more, all it takes is one look at Cole Palmer and Chelsea to realise just how successful Manchester City's academy graduates can be when given the chance to thrive. And Nottingham Forest could offer McAtee exactly that.
That's not to say Pep Guardiola isn't well aware of McAtee's talents, either, having told reporters following the midfielder's hat-trick against Salford City earlier this season: "I am so happy for him, he is a special player. A hat trick is not easy. He has an incredible sense in front of goal, he has the right tempo, he changed the rhythm to score and I am very happy for him.”