Nottingham Forest have been linked with a host of players ahead of this summer.
Nottingham Forest signed off their 2017/18 campaign with a disappointing 3-2 defeat at Bolton Wanderers – a result which saw the Trotters preserve their Championship status ahead of Burton Albion.
The Reds have endured a frustrating campaign, which included the sacking of Mark Walburton and the subsequent introduction of former Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka as his replacement.
Karanka made several signings in January, shored up a leaky defence somewhat and guided Nottingham Forest clear of any relegation danger. Next season, he will be hoping for much more.
The Spaniard has promotion experience with Boro, and he will feel that with some investment this summer from the club’s board, the Nottingham Forest could push for a place in the Championship’s top six.
Below, we look at a potential Nottingham Forest first-team XI – with as many as five new permanent signings.
Starting off with the goalkeeper, Forest brought in Costel Pantilimon on a loan deal until the end of the season, but it’s unclear whether he will remain at the City Ground now that the campaign is over.
A recent report in the Greek editorial sdna.gr linked Nottingham Forest with a summer move for Espanyol shot-stopper Roberto Jimenez Gago, a player Greek owner Evangelos Marinakos knows from Olympiakos.
Left-back is a major issue for Forest, therefore it’s no surprise to see them linked with Hull City’s Max Clark who could walk away from the KCOM Stadium this summer when his current deal expires (Hull Daily Mail).
Clark would be a terrific addition for Nottingham Forest considering he is only 22 years of age, and he has the potential to form an excellent partnership with fellow exciting youngster Ben Osborn down the left flank.
Forest are fairly stacked in midfield right now, yet Aitor Karanka has spoken of his admiration for Burnley midfielder Dean Marney and the 34-year-old has been touted for a free transfer move to the City Ground.
The Lancashire Telegraph reported that Marney has already met with Karanka over a potential summer move to Nottingham, and the Spanish boss admitted as much as he cited previous battles with the Burnley man.
Lee Tomlin joined Nottingham Forest on loan from Cardiff City until the end of the season, and he has made quite an impression with the club’s supporters – who would like to keep him permanently.
The 29-year-old enjoyed the best football of his career under Karanka at Boro, recording eight goals and ten assists in 2014/15, and Nottingham Forest will be hoping he reaches those heights again at the City Ground.
Finally, a new striker will be at the very top of Karanka’s wish-list this summer, and one name who was heavily linked with a move to the club in January was Algeria international El Arbi Hillel Soudani (Le Beteur).
The 30-year-old is said to be keen on a move to the Championship, and he is the sort of under-the-radar addition which could help propel Forest to the play-offs all for a moderate transfer fee.
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