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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Matt Davies & Sarah Clapson

How new-look Nottingham Forest line-up is taking shape amid busy transfer window

The Nottingham Forest team which ended a two decades-long absence from the Premier League will never be forgotten.

But it will be a very different side which goes about trying to ensure the Reds retain their place there. A busy transfer window means a new-look XI will take to the pitch against Newcastle United on the opening day of the season.

It was always going to be an important summer at the City Ground, full of comings and goings. And with a lot of business already done, head coach Steve Cooper’s dream line-up is starting to take shape.

READ MORE: How Steve Cooper has already given a glimpse of Forest Premier League plan

READ MORE: How Nottingham Forest can come of age as Premier League adventure awaits

Dean Henderson

Forest made Henderson their second signing of the summer, with the shot-stopper joining on a season-long loan from Manchester United. “He’s only been in the building a couple of days and already he’s a real presence around the place," Cooper said soon after he put pen to paper. "As well as being a good goalkeeper, that was one of the real reasons why we wanted him here."

The 25-year-old will replace Brice Samba as first-choice between the posts, after the promotion hero moved to Lens. Wayne Hennessey will provide competition for the shirt, though, as it has been all-change in the goalkeeping department.

Joe Worrall

Who gets the nod in defence is going to be interesting. The Reds are almost certain to stick with a back three, but Cooper does have options when it comes to different combinations.

Worrall was a mainstay last season, though, and captained the team in Lewis Grabban's absence. He is Mr Nottingham Forest.

Giulian Biancone has come in from Troyes and can play either on the right of the three or at right wing-back. The fact he perhaps does not walk straight into the team - despite impressing in pre-season - can only be a positive, given the depth Forest will need in their squad.z

Moussa Niakhate

This could just as easily be Steve Cook, but it is fun to include a new signing in this instance. Niakhate is a 26-year-old former France under-21 international who captained Bundesliga side Mainz, so comes with plenty of experience.

He could always play on the left and Cook - or indeed Scott McKenna - could be in the centre, as was something Cooper looked at in the 0-0 friendly draw at Barnsley. Having splashed out a fair bit of money for him, he's sure to get a fair bit of game time in the Garibaldi.

Scott McKenna

Niakhate is a left-sided defender, but it is hard to believe McKenna will not be a key man again, having won the club's Player of the Season award. He will want to test himself at the top level.

Neco Williams

The Wales international can play on either flank, although he is primarily thought of as a right-back - where Biancone, too, can operate.

That versatility, from a number of players, will be vital. But with £17m spent to secure Williams' services, Cooper will want to get the best out of him. His understanding with Brennan Johnson, from their time together on international duty, will be very useful, too.

Ryan Yates

By his own admission, Yates is not the most technically gifted player, but he has earned the right to test himself in the Premier League. There can be no doubt he will give his all and he remains the heartbeat of the team, in many ways.

Lewis O'Brien

Perhaps the star man in the Huddersfield Town team which lost to Forest at Wembley, O'Brien is an accomplished midfielder on and off the ball. Was close to joining Leeds a year ago.

Jack Colback could also have a part to play, given he already has Premier League experience. But the centre of the pitch was always set to be an area which required investing in this summer. Don't be surprised if further additions are made here, given the backing of owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Harry Toffolo

Another of the Terriers men beaten at Wembley, Toffolo was a top performer in the Championship. At 26, he is entering his prime and will be eager to prove himself, having climbed the league ladder through his career.

Forest finished last season with Colback playing on the left, to great effect. But with Omar Richards also added to the squad, the midfielder will hope any opportunities he does get come in his favoured position.

Morgan Gibbs-White

A long-standing transfer target after his tremendous season with Sheffield United. He is valued at more than £20m by parent club Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Reds are not the only ones interested, and this could be one which drags on for some time. But if he does end up coming to the City Ground, he would be some signing. The no.10 role is so crucial to the way Cooper likes to play; finding the right man to take over from Philip Zinckernagel is vital.

Taiwo Awoniyi

A club record fee was paid out to bring in the Nigeria international, who scored 15 goals for Union Berlin in the Bundesliga last season. Forest will be looking for him to lead the line.

Sam Surridge will want to continue his good form from last term, once he recovers from injury. And Lewis Grabban will need to be replaced, having failed to agree a new contract with the Reds. Having strength in depth up front will be vital.

Brennan Johnson

Forest's X factor. Johnson scored 21 goals in all competitions last season and had 10 assists. He is probably the only player who is impossible to replace. With that in mind, it was essential the Reds agreed a new contract with the Wales international, who was entering the final year of his deal.

How do you think Forest will line up? Have your say in the comments section...

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