Strengthening Nottingham Forest’s attacking resources has only taken on added urgency following confirmation of Lewis Grabban’s departure.
Boss Steve Cooper admits being unable to agree a new deal with the front man came as a blow. Talks had taken place with Grabban over a new contract, but with no agreement reached, he has left the City Ground as a free agent.
His exit leaves a hole to be filled up front. Although injuries hampered him in the second half of last season, the 34-year-old was a key figure on the pitch and in the dressing room as the Reds secured promotion.
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“It is a blow. It does affect plans, because obviously he needs replacing,” Cooper told NottinghamshireLive after his team’s 0-0 draw at Barnsley in their third friendly of the summer.
“He was an experienced player. He was captain. It’s unfortunate that we couldn’t agree (a deal) with him.
“He came in on Friday and said his goodbyes. Hopefully the club have shown him the respect he deserves; I know I’ve done my best to do that.
“I had a fantastic relationship with him. I’m very grateful for the role he played both on and off the pitch last year. We will hopefully stay in contact. But moving forward, yeah, he needs replacing, for sure.”
The Reds have brought in forward Taiwo Awoniyi this summer. They also still have Sam Surridge, Lyle Taylor and Nuno Da Costa on the books as out-and-out strikers, along with Brennan Johnson and Alex Mighten. There is a question mark over what the future holds for Taylor and Da Costa, however.
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