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

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

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

Reducing the size of the squad is equally crucial. Forest have already started this process and more departures are expected.

READ MORE: How Elliot Anderson could 'explode' for Forest as pundit provides transfer insight

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£17m defender on Nuno's radar

Forest have reportedly been eyeing Lyon defender Jake O'Brien in what is proving to be a busy transfer window.

The Reds have made a fine start to the summer, with arrivals and departures. Three signings have been made so far, with midfielder Elliot Anderson the latest to sign at the City Ground after joining from Newcastle United.

Just as important as strengthening Nuno Espirito Santo's squad is cutting personnel. Forest have already started to do that and more departures will follow.

Midfielder Orel Mangala and defender Moussa Niakhate are both expected to join Lyon, and according to The Athletic, the Reds have mentioned centre-back O'Brien “as an option” during their talks with the French club.

O'Brien remains on Lyon's radar for now but he appears to have no shortage of suitors, with West Ham United and Everton reportedly among the Premier League clubs keeping a close eye on him.

Offers for the 23-year-old Ireland international so far are said to be based on a price tag of £17m, with Crystal Palace set to pocket 25 per cent of the profit from any sale, following O'Brien's move from Selhurst Park to Lyon 12 months ago.

Premier League rivals target duo

Premier League rivals are reportedly circling Callum Hudson-Odoi, but Nottingham Forest have no intention of selling the winger just a year after signing for the club.

After a difficult period marked by injuries at his boyhood club Chelsea, where he was subsequently ousted by new signings, the 23-year-old opted to find another club to continue his career. Forest were the club that benefited from this decision and he quickly became an influential member of the team.

But the promise that was there as a youngster at Stamford Bridge, coupled with the new-found talent he is displaying at the City Ground, has not gone unnoticed. The Athletic now claims that at least three clubs – some of them direct rivals in the English top flight – have expressed interest this summer.

Winger Anthony Elanga is also attracting interest, with rumours the Magpies are keen to sign the Reds ace emerging over the weekend ahead of the Premier League clubs' financial reporting deadline.

The two sides are said to have held discussions over a potential swap deal involving the former Manchester United player, with Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson mooted as potential options to move in the opposite direction.

Eventually, Anderson joined the City Ground for £35million. But it was ultimately goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos who left the club for the north-east.

You can read the full story here

What Forest fans can expect from Elliot Anderson

Elliot Anderson has been tipped to 'explode' onto the scene at Nottingham Forest – if he can find his best position and consistent football.

The midfielder became the Reds' third signing of the summer after leaving Newcastle United in the early hours of Monday morning, signing a five-year deal for a fee worth around £35million.

Anderson's versatility will be particularly useful to Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, who likes to work with a small squad. The new signing has the ability to play as a No.8, No.10 and a winger, but finding the role that suits him best could be the key to unlocking his potential.

“I think he just needs to find his best position and he probably needs to improve his numbers in terms of goals and assists,” ChronicleLive’s Sean McCormick told NottinghamshireLive. “The talent and potential is there and the idea for the last two years has been that he’s ready to explode if he gets a run of regular games in one position. If Forest can do that, he’ll flourish.”

Read the full article on Anderson

Departure from Orel Mangala

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

The move brings the Belgian's two-year spell on the banks of the Trente to an end. 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 departure comes as no surprise. He spent the second half of last season on loan at the French club and was expected to make the move on a permanent basis. Confirming his departure, a Forest statement 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 after making 53 appearances for the Garibaldi, scoring two goals. He played a key role in the Reds' survival in the Premier League during his first season at the club and has adapted well to English football over time.

Forest added: “The Belgium international played a key role in Lyon's impressive turnaround last season, helping the French side climb 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 squad during his time at Forest.”

Mangala is expected to be joined by defender Moussa Niakhate, who is also expected to sign a permanent transfer to the Ligue 1 side.

Forest have made managing departures as much a priority as strengthening their squad this summer. They have already made progress in reducing their squad, with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo preferring to work with a reduced squad.

And Brandon Aguilera too

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

The Costa Rican international joined the Reds in the summer of 2022 and leaves the club after making three senior appearances. He made his debut in the Carabao Cup defeat to Burnley last August, before featuring against Blackpool in the FA Cup and Brentford in the Premier League.

According to a Forest statement, “Aguilera now joins Rio Ave, who recently competed in the UEFA Europa League and are a Portuguese top division team. We wish Brandon all the best for the future.”

Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis confirmed his investment in Rio Ave last November. The Greek businessman has invested at least €20.5 million in the club, which he said would help settle the team's debts, provide transfer funds for the January window and contribute to stadium and academy improvements.

Aguilera has enjoyed several loan spells after signing a four-year contract at the City Ground from Alajuelense in July 2022. He has had spells at Guanacasteca, Estoril and Bristol Rovers.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder joined Forest's first team for pre-season last year and has impressed, with defender Moussa Niakhate dubbing him “a ball player” after he demonstrated some silky skills during a training session at a training camp in Spain.

Forest have already signed three players this summer. They have until 11pm on August 30 to complete their transfer deal, with more planned.