Nottingham Forest have been boosted by the return of Lewis Grabban to training as they head towards the season’s run-in.
The Reds return to action after the international break with a trip to Blackpool on Saturday. And with 10 games to go, they are pushing for a spot in the top-six.
Striker Grabban has been absent since the end of January with an ankle injury. The clash with the Seasiders may be too soon for his comeback, but boss Steve Cooper is hopeful he can have a big part to play in the final weeks of the campaign. However, the Welshman is still without defenders Max Lowe (groin), Steve Cook (ankle) and Scott McKenna (hamstring).
Read more: Djed Spence transfer update emerges as Reds ace discusses future
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Splashing the cash
Nottingham Forest have spent more than £2million on agents’ fees in the past two transfer windows.
Only five clubs in the Championship splashed out more than the Reds’ £2,388,090 on intermediary and agents’ fees from 2 February 2021 to 31 January this year, according to the Football Association. That period covers last summer’s transfer window, when Forest made 10 signings, and this January, when five players came in.
Fulham spent the most in the second tier, forking out more than £10m, while Hull City paid out the least, at £242,986. In total, Championship clubs dished out £44,378,940 on intermediary and agents’ fees in that period.
Ahead of the current season, the Reds brought in Ethan Horvath, Philip Zinckernagel, Jordi Osei-Tutu, James Garner, Max Lowe, Braian Ojeda, Mohamed Drager, Xande Silva, Djed Spence and Rodrigo Ely. And in January they added Keinan Davis, Steve Cook, Richie Laryea, Sam Surridge and Jonathan Panzo.
Striker stance
Nuno Da Costa’s wages could prove a stumbling block to securing a Nottingham Forest exit this summer.
The striker is spending the season on loan at Caen, where he has been in a purple patch of form of late. He was crowned the club’s player of the month for March, having bagged three goals and an assist in four games.
The French outfit have an option to make his move permanent at the end of the campaign. However, president Olivier Pickeu has spoken about the challenges of getting any deal over the line.
In an interview with Pickeu, Ouest-France say Da Costa is “ok to stay”. But they add “above all there is the obstacle of his salary, which is substantial in England, and which cannot be duplicated as it is in a French Ligue 2 club”.
Clough's regret
Nottingham Forest great Nigel Clough says a return to the City Ground is looking “less likely” as time goes on.
The 56-year-old, who is now Mansfield Town boss, has been linked with the Reds job on several occasions. And he turned down an approach to take charge in January 2017.
At the time, Forest were searching for a replacement for Philippe Montanier. But a number of prospective candidates disassociated themselves from the role due to the club’s chaotic off-field situation while Fawaz Al Hasawi was still owner.
Clough rejected the chance to manage his old team and follow in his father Brian’s footsteps, opting instead to remain at Burton Albion. However, he says he would love to have been given such an opportunity under the late Nigel Doughty.
