Nottingham Forest are reportedly “nearing a move” for Newcastle United striker Chris Wood.
Steve Cooper admitted last week that he was “hopeful” of more new signings coming in as Forest look to strengthen their squad and ensure Premier League survival, with the team currently sat in 13th. Both Gustavo Scarpa and Danilo have already arrived at the City Ground this month.
An attacking player is also understood to be on Forest’s wish list and The Times has reported that the club are “working” on a possible loan deal for Newcastle forward Wood. The Magpies stumped up £25million to sign the 31-year-old from Burnley last January as manager Eddie Howe looked to stave off the threat of relegation and now find themselves third in the league.
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Injury blow
Nottingham Forest have been dealt with an injury setback as Taiwo Awoniyi is expected to be on the sidelines for longer than expected.
The Nigerian forward was substituted with 20 minutes to go against Southampton on 4 January, a game in which he scored the winner. Afterwards he said that he felt "soreness in the groin", but added that he was fine.
Awoniyi has not been included in a matchday squad in the fortnight since then, however, with fears over the extent of his injury growing in that time. It now appears that he may not feature for the Reds for a while.
Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna reports that the 25-year-old will be out of action "for some months". It's a major blow that will see Forest lose their joint-top goalscorer in the Premier League for a crucial part of the season.
Key role
New signing Danilo has spoken about Gustavo Scarpa’s role in helping him join Nottingham Forest.
Danilo, a highly-rated defensive midfielder, completed his move to the City Ground on Monday. Despite still only being 21, he has already clocked up considerable experience across his 141 appearances for Palmeiras, coupled with winning two Copa Libertadores and a league title.
It was this pedigree that brought the attention of several elite teams across Europe but Forest fought off the competition, reuniting him with one of his former Palmeiras teammates in the process. Danilo has explained the influence that Scarpa had in him opting to join Steve Cooper ’s side and admits that the 29-year-old is helping him settle into life in England.
"It was decisive in my choice, I'd already chosen Nottingham Forest and Scarpa just gave me that additional nudge,” he told the club website . “I'm really grateful to him, he's helped me ever since I originally arrived at Palmeiras.
Goalkeeper linked
Nottingham Forest are reportedly considering a shock move for PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
The 36-year-old has enjoyed a glittering career and collected a sizable trophy haul, including three Champions League winners’ medals from his time at Real Madrid. Navas joined PSG in 2019 but has been usurped by Gigi Donnarumma this season, making just one appearance so far in the Coupe de France.
Forest have been dealt an injury blow as Dean Henderson 's thigh injury could keep the England international out until the end of February, leaving the club to call upon back-up ‘keeper Wayne Hennessey. However, Steve Cooper 's side are claimed to be in the market for a spectacular replacement in Henderson’s absence.
The Athletic has reported that Forest have added the Costa Rica international to their “list” of goalkeeping targets. Navas had already been linked with a move away from PSG and was touted to reunite with former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.
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