Nottingham Forest transfer news: £17m target identified as Premier League rivals eye Reds duo

Nottingham Forest's transfer plans for the new Premier League season are well underway with them kicking off the summer with several transfers in and out of the club.

So far, three new players have been signed, with the latest being midfielder Elliot Anderson who has joined from Newcastle United and is now officially part of the City Ground team.

Equally crucial is the task of reducing the team size. Forest have already begun this process, and more departures are expected.

READ MORE: How Elliot Anderson can 'explode' for Forest as expert provides transfer lowdown

READ MORE: Women’s Football News July Issue On Sale Now

£17m defender on Nuno's radar

Forest have reportedly had their eye on Lyon defender Jake O’Brien in what is proving to be a busy transfer window.

The Reds have made a solid start to the summer, overseeing some incomings and outgoings. Three signings have been made so far, with midfielder Elliot Anderson the latest to put pen to paper at the City Ground after joining from Newcastle United.

Just as important as bolstering Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad is the need to trim numbers. Forest have made a start on that front, and further exits will follow.

Midfielder Orel Mangala and defender Moussa Niakhate are both expected to complete moves to Lyon. And according to The Athletic, the Reds discussed centre-back O’Brien “as an option” in their talks with the French club.

O’Brien remains on Lyon’s books for now but is seemingly not short of suitors. West Ham United and Everton are both said to be among the Premier League clubs keeping an eye on him.

Approaches made for the 23-year-old Republic of Ireland international so far are said to be based around a £17 million price tag. Crystal Palace will reportedly bank 25 percent of the profit of any sale, following O’Brien’s move from Selhurst Park to Lyon 12 months ago.

Premier League rivals eye duo

Premier League rivals are reportedly circling around Callum Hudson-Odoi, however Nottingham Forest have no intention to sell the winger only a year after signing for the club.

Following a troubling period of injuries at boyhood club Chelsea where he was then ousted by new signings, the 23-year-old opted to find somewhere else to kick on with his career. Forest were the club to benefit from that decision and he quickly became an influential member of the squad.

But the promise that was there whilst a youngster at Stamford Bridge, partnered with the rediscovered ability on display at the City Ground, has not gone unnoticed. The Athletic now claim that at least three clubs - some of them direct competitors in the English top-flight - have registered their interest this summer.

There is also interest in winger Anthony Elanga. News of the Magpies eyeing up the Reds ace emerged over the weekend ahead of the accounting deadline for Premier League clubs.

The two sides were said to have held talks over a possible swap deal involving the former Manchester United man, with Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson mooted as potential options to head in the opposite direction.

In the end, Anderson did make the move to the City Ground in a £35 million deal. But it turned out to be goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos who left for the northeast.

You can read the full story here

What Forest fans can expect from Elliot Anderson

Elliot Anderson has been backed to “explode” onto the scene for Nottingham Forest - if he can pin down his best position and regular football.

The midfielder became the Reds’ third signing of the summer when he made the move from Newcastle United in the early hours of Monday morning. He put pen to paper on a five-year contract as a deal worth in the region of £35 million was completed.

The versatility Anderson offers will be particularly useful for Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, who likes to work with a small squad. The newcomer has the ability to operate as a No.8, a No.10 and out wide, but finding the role that suits him best could be the key to unlocking his potential.

“I think he just needs to nail down his best position and he probably needs to improve his numbers in terms of goals and assists,” Sean McCormick from ChronicleLive told NottinghamshireLive. “The talent and potential is there and the thought for the last two years is that he is ready to explode if he is given a consistent run of games in one position. If Forest can do that, he will thrive.

Read the full lowdown on Anderson

Orel Mangala departs

Midfielder Orel Mangala has completed a permanent transfer from Nottingham Forest to Lyon.

The move brings an end to the Belgian’s two-year spell on the banks of the Trent. He joined the Reds from Stuttgart in the summer of 2022 as part of the recruitment drive following promotion to the Premier League.

Mangala’s exit comes as little surprise. He spent the second half of last season on loan at the French side and was always expected to make the switch on a permanent basis. Confirming his departure, a statement from Forest said: “We thank Orel for his contribution during his time at the club and wish him all the best for the future.”

The 26-year-old leaves the City Ground having made 53 appearances in the Garibaldi and with two goals to his name. He played a key part in the Reds securing top-flight survival during his first season at the club and adapted well to English football as time went on.

Forest added: “The Belgian international played an integral role in an impressive turnaround for Lyon last season, helping the French side move out of the relegation zone and finish sixth in Ligue 1, qualifying for next season’s UEFA Europa League. The 26-year-old also established himself in the Belgium international set-up during his time with Forest.”

Mangala is expected to be joined in making the move from the Reds to Lyon by defender Moussa Niakhate. It is anticipated the centre-back will also complete a permanent transfer to the Ligue 1 outfit.

Forest have made overseeing exits as much a priority as strengthening the squad this summer. They have already made inroads on trimming numbers as head coach Nuno Espirito Santo prefers to work with a small group.

And so does Brandon Aguilera

He has completed a permanent move from Nottingham Forest to Portuguese side Rio Ave.

The Costa Rica international joined the Reds in the summer of 2022 and leaves having made three senior appearances for the club. He made his debut in the Carabao Cup defeat to Burnley last August, before going on to feature against Blackpool in the FA Cup and Brentford in the Premier League.

A statement from Forest said: “Aguilera now heads to Rio Ave, who recently competed in the UEFA Europa League and are an established Portuguese top-flight side. We wish Brandon all the best for the future.”

An investment by Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis in Rio Ave was confirmed last November. The Greek businessman put at least 20.5 million euros (£17m) into the club, which it was said would help settle the side’s debts, provide transfer funds for the January window and help with improvements to the stadium and academy.

Aguilera had various loan spells after putting pen to paper on a four-year deal at the City Ground from Alajuelense in July 2022. He had stints at Guanacasteca, Estoril and Bristol Rovers.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder linked up with the Forest first-team for pre-season last year and impressed. Defender Moussa Niakhate dubbed him “a baller” after he demonstrated some silky skills in one training session during a training camp in Spain.

Forest have made three signings so far this summer. They have until 11pm on August 30 to complete their transfer business, with further ins and outs expected.