Despite putting four goals past Ferencvaros in the Europa League on Thursday night, Nottingham Forest still have a huge issue in front of goal in the Premier League.
The Reds have only netted 23 goals in the first 23 games of the 2025/26 campaign, with only bottom-side Wolverhampton Wanderers netting fewer to date.
Sean Dyche has been unable to extract the best out of the attacking options at his disposal, with Morgan Gibbs-White the club’s top scorer on five goals.
Botman-Gibbs-White-Forest-Newcastle
None of the centre-forwards on the books have netted more than two league goals so far this campaign, which further reaffirms the struggles in attacking areas.
However, in a late attempt to bolster the senior ranks, the hierarchy appear to be backing the manager in his quest to secure survival at the City Ground.
Forest now targeting a move for a PL sensation
Over the last couple of days, Forest have been just one of the clubs interested in a move to land Crystal Palace talisman Jean-Philippe Mateta before Monday’s deadline.
At one stage, the Reds even submitted a £35m bid for the Frenchman’s signature, but such an offer was £5m short of the Eagles’ asking price this month.
Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace
As a result, they have now been jumped in the race to land the centre-forward, with Serie A side AC Milan seemingly now leading the race for his services.
Mateta isn’t the only Premier League option currently on Dyche’s radar, with the manager wanting a reunion with Dwight McNeil at the City Ground.
According to Sky Sports, the Reds are keen on a late move for the 26-year-old, who has previously played under the manager at Burnley and at current side, Everton.
The news outlet has confirmed that Dyche wants to work with the left-winger for a third time, but a deal could be tricky to complete before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Dwight McNeil for Everton
Dwight McNeil for Everton
It’s been reported that David Moyes’ men would only consider a permanent transfer if they can land a replacement, with the Englishman currently filling the void for the injured Jack Grealish.
Why McNeil would be perfect for Lucca at Forest
As previously mentioned, Forest have struggled for quality in attacking areas this season, which resulted in a winter move to land striker Lorenzo Lucca from Napoli.
Lorenzo Lucca of SSC Napoli gestures
The Italian arrived at the City Ground last week on loan until the end of the season, with the Reds having the option to turn the deal into a permanent one in the summer.
However, doubts have been raised over his own lack of goals in 2025/26, with the 25-year-old only scoring twice in all competitions for Antonio Conte’s side before his switch to the East Midlands.
Lucca has previously been a clinical option in the final third, as seen by his tally of 14 goals for Udinese during the previous campaign - which no doubt led to his switch to Naples.
The 6’7 centre-forward is obviously an aerially dominant option for Dyche, but as a result, he’s often reliant upon the quality of the delivery sent his way.
Napoli's Lorenzo Lucca in action with Lecce's Kialonda Gaspar
Such a factor could no doubt explain why a move for McNeil could be in the pipeline, with his underlying stats from the Premier League this season highlighting his quality.
The Everton star, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by Simon Stone, has created 1.2 chances per 90 this campaign, with 0.3 of which being defined as big chances.
The aforementioned figures showcase he’s capable of producing the goods in the final third, which could put an end to the Reds’ recent dismal run in front of goal.
He’s also completed 25% of the crosses he’s attempted this season, subsequently ranking him in the top 20% of all players in England’s top-flight in 2025/26.
Dwight McNeil - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Crosses completed
Chances created
Big chances created
Dribbles completed
Aerials won
Stats via FotMob
Such a figure would no doubt aid Lucca in his own quest for success at the City Ground, with the Italian able to get on the end of such deliveries should they be replicated upon any move.
McNeil has also completed 50% of the dribbles he’s attempted, whilst completing 82% of the passes he’s attempted - which reaffirms his all-round quality in the final third.
It’s currently unclear how much a deal would cost before Monday’s deadline, but it could be a shrewd addition given his previous experience playing under Dyche.
Many fans will no doubt be against such a transfer, given his tally of just one goal contribution this season, but it could certainly hand the side an added Premier League-proven option.
McNeil
If he can provide the goods for Lucca in the East Midlands, it would be a great signing, with the pair able to catapult the club away from any looming relegation threat.
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Nottingham Forest could be about to pull off a huge late move in the January transfer window.