Nottingham Forest will be on the lookout for premium improvements in the summer, but may find some brilliant deals by looking at those relegated from the Premier League.
With European football secured, Forest plan to spend serious money in the summer and are already being linked with some high-profile names.
Douglas Luiz remains of interest to Forest as continental pedigree is required, whilst a blockbuster move could be made further forward as Forest consider a move for Bryan Mbeumo.
Evangelos Marinakis’ ambition means that these premium targets are never out of the question, but there could be a number of incredibly valuable additions to be found in the squads of the three relegated sides.
Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images
Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images
Five players Nottingham Forest have to look at this summer after Premier League relegation
Mateus Fernandes
One that the Reds already seem aware of, Forest have looked at Mateus Fernandes already, as the Portuguese star has stood out in a Southampton side that struggled throughout the season.
Caretaker boss Simon Rusk is a huge Fernandes fan but even the most optimistic Saints supporters must know that the attacking midfielder is likely to depart in the summer.
He has eight goal contributions across all competitions this season and could be the ideal competition for Morgan Gibbs-White in that creative role.
Leif Davies
18 assists in the Championship tell you all you need to know about what Leif Davies could offer Forest from left-back.
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Like plenty at Ipswich Town this season, Davies struggled with the step up to the Premier League, but as competition for Neco Williams, the Englishman could be perfect.
Williams has been brilliant this season and has shown tremendous development on the left, something he could help Davies achieve as well.
Wilfred Ndidi
Forest’s interest in Douglas Luiz suggests that extra depth in midfield is on the list of summer options, which could make a move for Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi make sense.
Due to a relegation release clause, Ndidi will be available for just £9m in the summer, making him an excellent alternative should the Luiz deal become too expensive.
Danilo could also leave Forest this summer amid interest from Brazil, so a swift move for the Nigerian midfielder could be on the cards.
Kyle Walker-Peters
Returning to Southampton, there is a potential steal to be had when it comes to Kyle Walker-Peters. The 28-year-old is comfortable operating in both full-back positions, much like Williams and Ola Aina, who Forest fans love.
Even better, though, Walker-Peters’ contract is expiring at the end of the season so he will be available for free, making him an absolute no-brainer addition to the Forest squad.
What’s more, Aina’s future at Forest remains uncertain, so a reliable alternative like Walker-Peters could step in should the Reds’ first-choice right back depart.
Liam Delap
By far the most obvious choice, Liam Delap will be the top striker target for the majority of the Premier League in the summer after impressing at Ipswich.
Forest have registered their interest in Delap, who, like Ndidi, has a tempting relegation release clause that will make the race for his signature compelling.
His 12 goals for Ipswich have ensured that the 22-year-old will be returning to the Premier League in the summer, with Forest in the mix to lure him to the City Ground to continue his upward trajectory.