Owner Evangelos Marinakis has penned an open letter to Nottingham Forest fans, following the club’s promotion to the Premier League.
Five years on from the Greek’s takeover, and 23 years after they were last there, the Reds are back in the top-flight. Victory over Huddersfield Town at Wembley completed a remarkable transformation under Steve Cooper, with Forest having been bottom of the table when the Welshman arrived last September.
Marinakis has pledged to give the head coach “all the ammunition he needs” as the Reds aim to be “competitive” next season. And he has once again set his sights on “writing a new history” at the City Ground, thanking fans for their support.
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Striker search
Nottingham Forest are said to have “opened negotiations” over a move for Argentine forward Taty Castellanos.
It is a crucial transfer window for the Reds as they prepare for their return to the Premier League after a 23-year absence. And bolstering his attacking options is a priority for boss Steve Cooper.
Castellanos was reportedly on Forest’s radar in January, and that particular link has resurfaced as the player looks set to leave New York City in the coming weeks. As well as the Reds, a number of other clubs have been credited with an interest in the 23-year-old.
West Ham United, Leeds United, River Plate and Palmeiras are all said to be keen, although Bola VIP report the asking price was proving to be a stumbling block. But they add Castellanos is now a “concrete option” from Forest and they have “asked for conditions for his transfer”.
Keeper competition
Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move for Nick Pope, but they are not the only ones said to be keen on the Burnley goalkeeper.
The Reds could face losing first-choice stopper Brice Samba this summer. With 12 months left to run on his contract, the 28-year-old is said to have rejected the offer of a new deal.
Unless a resolution can be reached, that leaves Forest with the choice of either cashing in this transfer window or seeing Samba walk away as a free agent in a year’s time. Already heading into a crucial period as they plan for life in the Premier League, the situation leaves the club looking at goalkeeping options.
Pope had been linked with a switch to the City Ground prior to news about Samba’s contract emerging. But talkSPORT claim West Ham United and Fulham have also shown an interest in the England international.
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Bale advice
Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has been told he should join Nottingham Forest for a "really good opportunity" ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
The Wales captain is set to leave the Spanish giants on a free transfer after nine years. He has already been heavily linked with a move to Cardiff City, but pundit Tony Cascarino thinks he would suit Garibaldi red.
"Nottingham Forest," Cascarino told talkSPORT when asked what sort of team Bale should be looking to sign for. "Really high tempo type of game. I think, obviously, the way they play is very much based on (being able to) counter-attack really quickly.
"I would think that would be a really good opportunity for him. Or any of the teams coming up. I don't think he's a top six player, I don't see that."
