It’s not long until the January transfer window opens, with clubs working hard behind the scenes to prepare for potential deals.
It was a memorable summer transfer window for Forest with a number of deals taking place as players both arrived and left the City Ground. Steve Cooper was given funds in order to shape his squad to be able to challenge in the Premier League after last season’s promotion.
And it could be another busy window in January after a disappointing start to the league campaign as Forest look to again add to their playing resources.
While January will be used trying to bring players to the club for the remainder of the season, it can also be useful for planning summer transfer deals too. Rules mean clubs can enter negotiations with any overseas players with six months remaining on their contracts.
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest defender 'in talks' over January transfer
READ MORE: Hot-shot striker's agent teases transfer talk amid Forest 'interest'
Should talks go well, then pre-contracts can be agreed ahead of free transfer summer moves. It means clubs can get ahead in the race for the transfer of free agents.
With that in mind, here are three players with whom Forest could agree pre-contracts in the next few weeks...
Houssem Aouar
Forest were linked with the Lyon midfielder in the summer, but a move to the City Ground never materialised.
The Reds could reignite their interest in January and open talks with the player over a potential free transfer move as he has just six months remaining on his deal with the Ligue 1 club.
However, Forest could face competition for Aouar. Arsenal are thought to be long-term admirers, while Leicester City are said to be showing an interest too, along with Serie A side Roma.
David Soria
With Dean Henderson’s loan deal with Forest ending in the summer, the Reds could plan ahead by lining up a deal ahead of the goalkeeper’s return to Old Trafford. The Reds saw a complete reshuffle of their goalkeeping department in the summer.
Henderson’s arrival was followed by the sale of Brice Samba, one of the heroes of the club’s promotion to the Premier League. But with Henderson only borrowed, a new goalkeeper could be high on the priority list for the Reds when the summer comes.
One possibility could be Getafe shot-stopper David Soria. The 29-year-old has played 14 times in La Liga this season, keeping five clean sheets.
He has just six months left on his contract with the Spanish club, meaning Forest would be able to agree a pre-contract with the player from January. He was previously linked with a move to the Premier League in the summer of 2020.
Moussa Dembele
One position which Forest will more than likely prioritise in January is up front as they look to add firepower to help move away from the bottom of the Premier League table.
While the Reds will be looking to make an addition which will help them for the second half of the season, it could also be an area that is strengthened again in the summer.
One way to do that is by signing a player on a pre-contract. Someone who could fit the bill is Lyon frontman Moussa Dembele. The 26-year-old has just six months remaining on his deal with the French club and has been linked with a move to the Premier League.
He has two goals in 12 appearances in the league this season but has been in and out of the starting XI. He also has experience of English football after playing for Fulham between 2014 and 2016, before moving to Celtic.
Would you like to see Forest sign any of these players on a pre-contract? Tell us in the comments section
READ NEXT:
- Garibaldi Red podcast holds first live show - and you can join class panel
Alex Mighten, Jonathan Panzo, Tyrese Fornah - How all 14 Nottingham Forest loanees are getting on
Nottingham Forest response sent as Steve Cooper emerges as potential Gareth Southgate successor
Nottingham Forest transfers: Malinovskyi transfer blow, Musah 'green light', Becker latest
