Nottingham Forest have some transfer business to tick off before the summer window closes
Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado has been linked with Nottingham Forest
Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado has been linked with Nottingham Forest(Image: Getty)
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Nottingham Forest will put the finishing touches to Oliver Glasner’s squad in the coming days as they head into the final week of the transfer window.
Premier League clubs have until 11pm on September 1 to get any remaining deals over the line. For the Reds, there is still a bit of work to be done in the market.
Quality over quantity has been the mantra for Forest this summer as they look to make progress under their new head coach. For Glasner’s part, he has been clear about looking to bring in a further two signings - with a striker and a right-back wanted.
As deadline day draws into view, the transfer rumour mill seems to have stepped up a gear. Below, the Nottingham Post rounds up the latest gossip.
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Casado chase
The Reds were credited with an interest in Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado earlier in the window. Now the window is nearing its end, that link has re-emerged.
Sport Witness cover various reports from Spain suggesting Forest remain keen on the 22-year-old after previously having a bid rejected. Meanwhile, TEAMtalk claim the Reds are “leading the race” for his signature.
According to Sport Witness, Benfica, AC Milan and an unnamed Turkish club are also said to be eyeing him up while the player reportedly has “multiple offers” from the Middle East and across Europe. Saudi Arabian sides Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli have reportedly put forward offers in the region of €40 million (£34m).
Barca appear to be keen to cash-in to the tune of at least €30m (£25m) and are described as “urgently looking to offload” the player. It all leaves Casado mulling over his next move, with staying in Europe said to be his preference.
In addition to identifying the Reds as potential suitors, TEAMtalk state “contact” has been made with Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Brighton and Hove Albion and Sunderland regarding the Spaniard’s availability. Their report suggests the midfielder, who is under contract until 2028, wants to go somewhere with regular football on offer.
The Nottingham Post says: Not so long ago, strengthening in the centre of the pitch was at the top of the agenda for Forest. Xaver Schlager arrived early in the window but the club were eyeing up further reinforcements.
Last week, however, Glasner indicated the picture had changed. James McAtee demonstrated in pre-season that he could operate in a deeper role, leaving the Reds’ midfielder search to be placed on the backburner for the time being.
Of course, plans can change - particularly in the final stages of a window. But at present, links to Casado do not exactly fit with what Glasner wants for his squad.
Teenager targeted
Exciting teenage talent Abdoulaye Agbejoye is reportedly on Forest’s radar. The 18-year-old striker has been compared to Manchester City ace Erling Haaland and is viewed as a bright prospect in his native Nigeria.
Agbejoye currently plays for academy side Grassrunners in his homeland. However, Nigerian publication Soccernet are tipping him to make the move to Europe in the near future to continue his progress.
The Reds are reportedly set to “go head to head” with Bayer Leverkusen to snap up the youngster. As it stands, Forest are identified as “the frontrunners” for his signature amid a move abroad being “imminent”.
Agbejoye is seen as being an “important part” of the Reds’ long-term plans. If a deal goes through, a loan elsewhere is identified as being a possibility.
The Nottingham Post says: Recruiting young talent with the potential to improve and increase in value has been part of Forest’s transfer strategy for some time. The link with Agbejoye certainly fits in that sense.
If the Nigerian does make the switch to the City Ground, it is unlikely he would be in contention for the first-team initially. A loan and/or time in the academy set-up would be the most likely path for his development.
There is a lot of excitement about the teenager in his homeland. One way or another, his name could be one to watch.
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