Whichever division Nottingham Forest find themselves in next season, they face a big summer transfer window ahead.
Promotion remains within their grasp. But after Tuesday night’s defeat at Bournemouth, the Reds must now navigate the play-offs in a bid to reach the Premier League.
Making it to the top-flight would no doubt change the picture significantly when it comes to Forest’s transfer business in the months ahead. There has already been plenty of rumours and speculation about what might happen, though, so here’s a round-up of the latest news.
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Spence stance
Djed Spence is yet to decide where he will play his football next season after a sparkling season with Nottingham Forest.
Spence has been linked with a host of Premier League and European clubs after making the official Championship team of the season. Middlesbrough look set to cash in on the 21-year-old England under-21 defender, and Forest would be undoubtedly be keen to make a permanent move for the £15m-rated wing-back.
TEAMtalk have today reported that Spence is 'ready to commit' to Forest if they are promoted. However, Nottinghamshire Live understands the player will only address his future at the end of this season as he looks to help Forest win promotion to the Premier League.
Fierce competition
Interest is said to be mounting in Nottingham Forest target Jed Wallace ahead of the summer transfer window, with Championship rivals West Bromwich Albion linked with a move.
The Reds were rebuffed in their attempts to sign the Millwall winger in January. And it looks like there could be a fight for his signature come the end of this season.
Wallace is coming towards the end of his contract in south London and will soon become a free agent. He is sure to have no shortage of suitors, with Forest likely to face competition to sign him should they revisit their interest.
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Staying put?
Nottingham Forest have reportedly expressed an interest in making Philip Zinckernagel's stay at the City Ground a permanent one, according to reports.
The Watford Observer claim that sources close to the player have told them that the Reds have not ruled out doing a deal this summer, but nothing has yet been decided.
Zinckernagel's move to Forest has proven a successful one and last night scored the winner against Fulham as the Reds moved three points behind Bournemouth in the race for promotion to the Premier League.
Scouting mission
Nottingham Forest scouts have reportedly watched Forest Green Rovers full-back Kane Wilson for a "number of weeks" according to reports.
According to BristolLive, the Reds have been monitoring the right-back who has an excellent season at Rovers who have won promotion to League One. Wilson won recognition for his performances at the Football League awards having been named League Two player of the season and the defender is out of contract this summer.
Birmingham City have also been linked with a move for the 22-year-old who would not be a free agent given he is under the age of 24 and would require a compensation fee. Forest may need to look at signing a right-back in the summer given Djed Spence's Middlesbrough loan deal is due to finish at the end of the season.
Garner plan
Nottingham Forest loanee James Garner is set to be given a chance to stake his claim for a place in Manchester United’s squad in the summer, according to reports.
In his second spell at the City Ground, the 21-year-old has been a key figure in the Reds’ promotion push this term. He has cemented his place in midfield and continued to make great progress under the charge of Steve Cooper.
Premier League duo Leeds United and Southampton have been linked with the youngster ahead of the transfer window opening, and there has been some suggestion his parent club could consider letting him go in the summer. The arrival of Erik ten Hag as manager, however, may have changed the situation.
Attracting attention
Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard says Nottingham Forest loanee Keinan Davis has been attracting attention ahead of the summer transfer window.
The striker has made a big impression at the City Ground since making the move on the opening day of the January transfer window. And it seems those performances haven’t gone unnoticed. Davis has put in some outstanding performances and scored five goals for the Reds amid their promotion push. Forest were dealt a blow last Friday, however, as the 24-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in the 1-0 defeat at Luton Town.
It is expected to rule him out for about four to five weeks, meaning he is likely to miss the remainder of the regular season. But there is a chance he could return for the play-offs, should Steve Cooper’s side get there.
