Nottingham Forest are facing an important summer transfer window as they look to kick on under Vitor Pereira
10:31, 26 May 2026
Celtic's Arne Engels
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Celtic's Arne Engels(Image: Getty)
Free agent Solly March has emerged as a potential transfer target for Nottingham Forest ahead of the summer window.
From June 15, Premier League clubs can officially begin trading again as they shuffle their squads for the 2026/27 season. For the Reds, there is plenty riding on getting their business right after securing top flight safety.
Forest want to push for a return to Europe next term and avoid being dragged into another relegation scrap. Head coach Vitor Pereira is keen to get deals done early and to make only minor changes to the dressing room.
Plenty of speculation about possible incomings and outgoings at the City Ground is already doing the rounds. Below is a look at the latest news and rumours…
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March on the move
Out of contract this summer, March looks set to leave Brighton and Hove Albion after 13 years at the club. The south coast outfit hold an option to extend his stay by a further 12 months, but TEAMtalk claim that will not be taken up.
As a result, the versatile winger will be available on a free transfer. And it seems he has no shortage of suitors keen to snap him up.
The Reds are among the teams to have “made expressions of interest” about a possible move for March. Newcastle United, Everton, Crystal Palace and Fulham are said to have done the same, while newly-promoted duo Coventry and Ipswich Town are considered to be “firmly” in the race for his signature.
There is interest in the 31-year-old from the Championship, too, in the form of West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers following their relegations. March is said to believe he can continue to perform at a high level, so a step down in divisions may well be ruled out.
Forest strengthened their wide areas last summer, bringing in Dan Ndoye, Omari Hutchinson and Dilane Bakwa. However, the trio had somewhat mixed seasons and there has been talk about Ndoye, in particular, moving on.
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Mendy blow
Centre-back Nobel Mendy has been linked with a switch to the City Ground in recent weeks. Some reports even suggested an offer was in the works, made up of a €10 million (£8.5m) fixed fee and €5m (£4m) worth of bonuses.
Mendy has spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Rayo Vallecano from Real Betis. His deal includes an option to buy, and it appears likely that will be taken up - scuppering any hopes Forest had of securing the defender’s services.
Rayo Vallecano sporting director David Cobeno told Spanish publication AS when asked about Mendy’s future: "He had a mandatory clause based on appearances and another optional one for the club. We're delighted with his performance.
“It's his first full-time professional year and he's demonstrating a very high level, with a few lapses in concentration in some matches, although that's normal for young players. Our idea is to buy him outright and make him a key player for the future."
The Reds have also been credited with an interest in Gremio centre-back Viery. The left-footed Brazilian is seen as a promising talent.
Engels exit?
Three times Forest tried their luck for Celtic midfielder Arne Engels during the winter window. But they were rebuffed on each occasion, despite their final attempt consisting of an eyebrow-raising package worth up to £25m.
The Reds are said to have kept an eye on the 22-year-old and the centre of the pitch is likely to be an area ripe for reinforcements this summer. Elliot Anderson is expected to be a man in demand, leaving a significant void potentially in need of filling.
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Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney and Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi have been tipped as Forest targets. And it may be the club also receive some encouragement regarding reigniting their interest in Engels.
According to The Herald (via Glasgow World), the Belgian is likely to be among a number of players to leave Celtic this summer. Lazio are also said to be keen on him.
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