Nottingham Forest are working on a summer deal for one Arsenal player with the help of ex-Tricky Trees star Pierre van Hoojidonk, according to a new report.
Vitor Pereira set for home Nottingham Forest debut against Liverpool
Sunday afternoon brings one of the most daunting assignments Forest could have asked for at this point in the season.
Liverpool arrive at the City Ground for Vitor Pereira's first home game in charge, and with the relegation trap door creaking beneath Forest's feet, the stakes could barely be higher.
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It has already been a whirlwind week at the club.
Pereira made a flying start to his tenure by overseeing a commanding 3-0 Europa League victory away at Fenerbahçe on Thursday — a result that all but secures Forest's passage to the last 16.
Murillo, Igor Jesus and Morgan Gibbs-White were all on target in Turkey, handing the new manager a platform to build from. The City Ground faithful will be hoping the momentum carries into Sunday.
It will not be easy.
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The Tricky Trees could spoil their plans.
Liverpool, for all their inconsistency this season, remain a formidable outfit and will arrive with revenge on their minds after Forest humiliated them 3-0 at Anfield earlier in the campaign.
Arne Slot's side have had a full week's rest, while Forest have had the small matter of a European away trip sandwiched in between.
Pereira has indicated he will rotate, but the priority remains clear — Forest need Premier League points desperately. They sit just three points above the drop zone, and if West Ham beat Bournemouth tonight, the Reds could find themselves level with the bottom three before even kicking off.
A general view of City Ground ahead of the Premier League match Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace
Pereira has already been warned that Forest will likely sack him if they get relegated, according to some reports.
The pressure is immense, but in the background, there are signs that the club are already thinking beyond the survival fight — and making moves for next season.
Nottingham Forest working on Tommy Setford deal with ex-player help
As per Football Transfers, Forest have identified Arsenal's highly-rated young goalkeeper Tommy Setford as a summer loan target.
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A scout from the City Ground was in attendance to watch Setford in action for Arsenal against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup last weekend as they run the rule over the England Under-21 international.
Setford, who arrived at the Emirates from Ajax in 2024, has made two first-team appearances for the Gunners but remains locked out of the Premier League matchday squad, with Kepa Arrizabalaga serving as the backup to David Raya.
It is a frustrating situation for the 'big talent', and a loan move this summer would offer him the regular football his development demands.
What's more, it is believed former Forest and Netherlands striker van Hoojidonk is apparently working as an agent to facilitate Setford's potential move to Forest.
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The 56-year-old is now an intermediary for the PUM agency that represents Setford — providing a natural bridge between the two clubs.
January signing Stefan Ortega has started the last three games between the sticks, but his short-term deal expires at the end of the season.
Unless fresh terms are agreed, the club will need a new number two — or potentially a number one — heading into 2026/27.
Enter Setford, who carries a fantastic reputation from his time at Ajax and could be a stellar option.
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