The countdown is on for Nottingham Forest’s return to action as the month of June nears an end.
The start of the 2023/24 Premier League season may still be some way off, but July will see Steve Cooper’s Reds back out on the pitch. Behind-closed-doors matches against Valencia and Levante have been added to their schedule of friendlies during an important month for the team’s preparations.
In the meantime, plenty of work has been going on behind the scenes ahead of the upcoming campaign. And with that in mind, here is our look at the latest goings-on Trentside.
Transfer talk
Prior to the transfer window opening, Forest were said to be considering adding to their Brazilian contingent this summer. With Gustavo Scarpa, Danilo and Felipe already on the books, reports suggested CooperCabana could be bolstered further.
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Links with Palmeiras teenager Giovani emerged, while European heavyweights Barcelona and Ajax were also credited with an interest in the attacker. However, it seems the 19-year-old is set to head elsewhere.
According to Brazilian outlet Globo, Qatari side Al Sadd look set to secure his signature. Negotiations over a deal are said to be taking place, amid Giovani having been left out of the match squad for his team’s most recent match.
MGW shines
Making the step up to the senior England side is an ambition for Morgan Gibbs-White. And the Forest ace is doing his chances of achieving that goal no harm with his exploits at the Under-21 European Championships - just as one of his Young Lions teammates predicted he would.
“Morgan is unbelievable technically. In training, you can see his ability and I'm sure he's another one that will be looking to really make his mark in this tournament,” defender Charlie Cresswell told the official England website earlier this month.
With England boss Gareth Southgate watching on, Gibbs-White set up both goals in Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Israel. Additionally, from the two matches played so far, his passing accuracy stands at 79.5 percent, according to Uefa.
The weekend’s win guaranteed top spot in Group C for Lee Carsley’s side and sent them through to the quarter-finals. They face Germany in their final group game on Wednesday, 5pm kick-off.
“I feel like this group is a special group,” Gibbs-White has said. “We've got very good individuals but mainly this past year and a half we've been working to build that togetherness in the team.”
Ticket details
Not long now until Forest’s first friendly of the summer, against neighbours Notts County at Meadow Lane. The match takes place on Saturday, July 15, 1pm kick-off - and ticket details have now been released.
The Reds have been given an initial allocation of 3,926 seats in the Jimmy Sirrel Stand, along with an allocation of nine wheelchair positions. General admission prices (in advance) are £14 for adults, £8 for seniors (aged 65+) and those aged 18-21, £4 for under-18s and £1 for under-12s.
Tickets will go on sale to season 2022/23 away members from 10am tomorrow (Tuesday, June 27). At 10am the following day (Wednesday, June 28) they will go on sale to 2023/24 season card holders, then at 10am on Thursday (June 29) they will go on sale to fans with a previous booking history from 2021/22-2022/23.
General allocation sales are online only. Registered disabled supporters or those with accessible needs can book by contacting the ticket office on 0115 982 4388 during their relevant sales window.
Promotion hero’s move?
The class of 2021/22 will always be fondly remembered at the City Ground, with striker Keinan Davis part of that group. As previously reported, it seems a departure from Aston Villa could be on the cards for the 25-year-old this summer - and there appears to be no shortage of interest.
According to German outlet Fussball Transfers, three Premier League clubs and “numerous” Championship sides are keen on Davis, while a move abroad is also a possibility. A fee of £4-6 million is mooted, once again sparking debate over whether Forest should consider bringing the forward back.
