Nottingham Forest's plans for the transfer window suffered a dent after Nuno Espírito Santo's side lost out in the race for Champions League qualification, instead settling for Conference League place, but Evangelos Marinakis and co appear determined to bolster the squad.
Nottingham Forest's transfer plans after Champions League blow
While missing out on a place in world football's most prestigious competition, not to mention a spot in the Europa League, came as a sour end to an otherwise overachieving campaign at Forest, this year's Premier League underdogs are still preparing for a European adventure next season.
Japan's Ritsu Doan in action with Saudi Arabia's Nawaf Boushal and Faisel Al-Ghamdi Related
[Approach made: Nottingham Forest enquire to sign "underrated" £20m forward](https://www.footballfancast.com/nottingham-forest-make-enquiry-over-ritsu-doan-star/ "Approach made: Nottingham Forest enquire to sign "underrated" £20m forward")
The Tricky Trees are now making moves for a forward, having recently stepped up their pursuit.
According to an in-depth analysis of the club's transfer plans by Telegraph reporter John Percy, Forest are targeting at least five new signings this summer as they seek to build off what was a very promising 2024/2025 overall.
Marinakis and co are extremely eager to back Nuno in the market, with the Telegraph reporting they'll aim to recruit players who are valued around the £20-30 million mark.
While Forest are not under any pressure to sell players to appease PSR, with their balance sheet described as being in a "healthy state" (John Percy), star midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White could still be sold amid links to Man City.
Gibbs-White's sale could fetch at least £70 million for Forest, which would go a long way to improving Nuno's first-team in other areas, and the manager has already confirmed that City Ground officials will be working to recruit fresh blood ahead of next term.
“People in the club are dealing with next season, not us as coaching staff," said Nuno when asked about Forest's plans for the summer.
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo is seen before the match
"This moment requires everything that you have for the responsibilities ahead of us. The recruitment staff and scouting team will be working on that and there will be the right moment to speak and sit down.”
Defensively, Forest are keen to bring in a left-back to assist this season's breakout star Neco Williams (The Telegraph), and the addition of another centre-back cannot be ruled out either.
Nottingham Forest make offer for Botafogo defender Jair
According to South American news outlet GE Globo and their reporter Jessica Maldonado, Botafago defender Jair Cunha is attracting serious interest from Forest.
jair-botafogo
Nuno's side have already submitted a proposal for their striker, Igor Jesus, and they're now pursuing his central defensive teammate.
The outlet reports that Nottingham Forest have made an offer to sign Jair, and while they cannot disclose the amount, it comes in at above £11.5 million - which is the amount Botafogo paid Santos to sign the 20-year-old back in February.
As the Brazilian club reportedly evaluate this bid, it is worth noting that Jair has drawn comparisons to Liverpool legend Virgil van Dijk, and he's described by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig as a "complete, dominant, and elegant central defender".
He's also able to play as both a right and left centre-back as part of a four-man defensive line, with Jair towering over most of his teammates at 6 foot 3.
The Brazilian is highly-rated and could come as an excellent back-up option behind the likes of Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic.