Nottingham Forest have their Premier League fate in their own hands ahead of the final three games of the season.
The Reds boosted their survival hopes with Monday night’s 4-3 thriller over Southampton, with victory lifting them out of the relegation zone. They will look to build on that win when they head to Chelsea on Saturday (3pm).
Beyond that, much of what happens in the summer will depend on which division Steve Cooper’s side find themselves in. But whether it be planning for another campaign in the top-flight or plotting a promotion push in the Championship, it will be a big transfer window at the City Ground regardless.
READ MORE: Forest injury state of play ahead of key Chelsea clash
READ MORE: Battling Forest given Chelsea and Arsenal points target
Incomings and outgoings are likely, although not on the scale seen last year. And some key decisions will soon need to be made over those players who are coming towards the end of their contracts.
Such calls have generally been placed on the backburner, with the focus very much on matters on the pitch. At present, though, a number of players are set to become free agents in the coming weeks. We take a look at the deals coming to an end this summer.
Jordan Smith: Currently on loan at Huddersfield Town, it could be the end of an era for the Nigel Doughty Academy graduate after two decades Trentside. Forest will need to assess their goalkeeping department whatever happens, given loans for Dean Henderson and Keylor Navas are about to end, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Smith ends up moving on.
Cafu: Having not been part of the 25-man Premier League squad at all this term, the signs point to the midfielder heading elsewhere - particularly if the Reds stay up. He has been praised for his professionalism and became something of a cult hero last season, but the Reds are well stocked in midfield.
Lyle Taylor: The striker is in a similar position to Cafu, left out of the squad both before and after the January transfer window. He also spent the second half of last term on loan at Birmingham City as he sought more regular game time. It is difficult to see how he can work his way back into the fold.
Andre Ayew: Although yet to win over Reds fans, the forward is trusted by Cooper. Whether that results in an extension to the short-term contract he signed when he arrived as a free agent earlier this year remains to be seen.
Jesse Lingard: Fenerbahce and Leicester City have been linked with the former Manchester United man as his future comes under the spotlight. Not so long ago, Cooper had indicated he would like to work with Lingard for as long as possible. Since then, though, the player has been hampered by injuries and been struggling for minutes when fit. He remains a key presence in the dressing room but, when he has been given a chance, has been unable to find the kind of form he had started to show around the turn of the year.
Jack Colback: Various injury problems have limited the midfielder’s availability this term. However, Cooper values him highly. He is a reliable performer when called upon and his experience is incredibly useful. At 33, whichever division the Reds are in next term Colback is unlikely to play week in, week out. A decision must be made as to whether he can still be a good squad player and would merit a new contract.
Additionally, Serge Aurier's deal is believed to run until this summer, but the right-back has said an automatic one-year extension will be triggered if survival is secured. Forest also have three loanees whose time at the City Ground is due to end in the summer - Dean Henderson (on loan from Manchester United), Renan Lodi (on loan from Atletico Madrid with the option to make the move permanent) and Keylor Navas (on loan from PSG).
Who should Forest offer new deals to? Have your say in the comments below
READ NEXT
