Nottingham Forest plot January transfers as two targets emerge for new boss Nuno

30 December 2023 , 21:30

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Nottingham Forest will be looking to bolster Nuno Espirito Santo's ranks in the January transfer window (Image: Getty Images)

Nottingham Forest are gearing up for another hectic transfer window following the 2-1 triumph over Manchester United as their ranks will be significantly depleted by the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

Newly-appointed boss Nuno Espirito Santo is poised to lose six stars to the tournament meaning the club will have no option but to dip back into the market for reinforcements - despite signing a whopping 42 players since sealing promotion from the Championship in 2022.

Serge Aurier, Willy Boly and Ibrahim Sangare are due to report for duty with host nation Ivory Coast. Cheikhou Kouyate and Moussa Niakhate have also been summoned by Senegal while Ola Aina is poised to represent Nigeria. Talismanic forward Taiwo Awoniyi would have been a shoo-in for the Super Eagles but he will remain sidelined for several months after undergoing groin surgery in November.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are still planning to recall Andrey Santos from his disappointing loan spell at the City Ground. He has played just seven minutes of Premier League action this term and the Blues have already decided internally that they want to bring the Brazilian back to Stamford Bridge in 2024.

There is hope he can then be loaned out again but Chelsea have already filled the seven spots in their overseas loan quota - meaning Santos could stay in England.

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Forest's transfer funds will be bolstered by the sale of Gustavo Scarpa who is set to return to Brazil with Atletico Mineiro in a £4.3million deal. Scarpa joined on a free transfer from Palmeiras in December 2022 but spent this season on loan in Greece with Olympiacos.

In terms of new recruits, the Tricky Trees are expected to push the button on a deal for Fluminense centre-back Nino. The 26-year-old Brazilian defender has already been the subject of extensive talks and would cost in the region of £6m.

Forest are also understood to be in advanced negotiations over the signing of Portuguese winger Gelson Martins from Monaco. He is in the final year of his contract with the Ligue 1 club and could therefore be available on the cheap or potentially a free transfer.

Martins is yet to feature for Monaco this season and has also attracted interest from Russia and MLS. Prior to the arrival of Nuno, Forest were also among a list of clubs looking at Werder Bremen frontman Marvin Ducksch but he is now expected to remain in Germany until at least the end of the season.

Ryan Taylor