Nottingham Forest transfers: Djed Spence instruction…

Nottingham Forest transfers: Djed Spence instruction issued as defender exit 'likely'

Nottingham Forest made a name for themselves in the summer transfer window and preparations will already have started ahead of January.

Steve Cooper is getting his squad back up to speed before the Reds return to action against Blackburn Rovers in the Carabao Cup on December 21. It will give the Forest boss more time to gel his new-look squad together after the club’s 22 new signings, though the team already produced an upturn in form prior to the World Cup break.

Forest’s last league win over Crystal Palace before the season was paused left the team just one point adrift of safety. Cooper will be determined to lift the club out of the relegation zone and has already been linked with reinforcements in the New year. Here’s a round-up of the latest transfer stories surrounding the City Ground :

Forest hero pushed for loan move

Tottenham Hotspur’s reluctance to play Djed Spence could potentially end up benefiting Nottingham Forest.

Spence was a star of Cooper’s side that won promotion last term and was tipped to make his stay a permanent one. However, the former Middlesbrough opted for a big-money move to Spurs and has been restricted to just four minutes of league action.

Manager Antonio Conte has preferred Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal at right-back and a former Spurs player has instructed Spence to find a loan move in January. Forest may also be in the market for a full-back, having lost Guilian Biancone to injury this term.

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Cooper to sanction defender deal

Nottingham Forest are reportedly ‘likely’ to cut short Loic Bade’s loan deal.

The centre-back arrived from Rennes in the summer as the club looked to prepare themselves for the top-flight. The 22-year-old was a late arrival in the transfer market and is yet to feature for the Reds, being named in just one matchday squad against Wolves in October.

Steve Cooper has previously said that Bade had settled in and would have to bide his time for opportunities. However, it has been reported by The Athletic that Bade could return to Rennes in January, with Forest seemingly looking to sign a new defender in the New Year.

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World Cup rules out Forest move

Forest were reportedly interested in PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo this summer but his form at the World Cup has seemingly ruled out hopes of a move to the City Ground.

Gakpo has scored three in three at the tournament, bringing his total of goals and assists to 36 already at this stage of the season. Forest were consistently linked with a move for the 23-year-old, with his price rising as high as £35m.

The Reds were reportedly joined in their pursuit by Southampton, Leeds and Arsenal during the summer. However, only the latter could realistically afford the Netherlands international in January as his value is now set at around £50m, with the Gunners facing added competition from Newcastle and Manchester United.

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Forest to rival Mourinho for transfer

The agent of Fortuna Dusseldorf defender Jamil Siebert has admitted that Nottingham Forest have been in contact.

The defender is currently on loan at Viktoria Koln, where the 20-year-old has made 14 league appearances. His performances have led Siebert to attract interest from abroad, with Jose Mourinho’s Roma also said to be interested in the centre-back.

His agent told German outlet Kicker: “The clubs got in touch and inquired about the contractual situation.”

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