With the prospect of local rivals Derby County going into liquidation, Nottingham Forest may have the opportunity to add some more players to their roster.
The EFL have given Derby until February 1 to provide evidence they have enough funds to complete the campaign.
If liquidated, here are six players who may become instant targets for local rivals Forest.
- Tom Lawrence
Currently, Derby’s top goal scorer, 28-year-old, Tom Lawrence’s quality can be in little doubt.
The attacking midfielder has eight goals this season for the club and three assists making him top of the assists list for the club as well.
He also won and scored a penalty against Forest in Saturday’s East Midlands Derby.
With Premier League clubs in the race for the Welsh international it is important Nottingham Forest move quickly to have any chance of signing him.
2. Jason Knight
Midfielder Jason Knight, has become a desired target for many clubs over the January transfer window.
He established himself as a key man for his club and country, despite the troubles which have faced his club this season.
The 20-year-old Republic of Ireland international is set to stay at the club over the transfer window however if the club liquidate, he will become available.
3. Lee Buchanan
20-year-old Lee Buchanan has been tipped to become a future England international by boss Wayne Rooney.
The defender was linked to a move to Forest in the summer and is still a target for the Reds along with other teams around Europe.
Liquidation for the club would make the long-term target available for Forest to sign him.
4. Louie Sibley
Derby County academy graduate, Louie Sibley, has 17 first team appearances this season and has proven himself a valuable member of the team.
He won the club’s 2017/18 academy player of the year and had his first professional season a year later.
The 20-year-old has a lot of potential and would be a transfer target for Nottingham Forest should he become available.
5. Max Bird
21-year-old, Max Bird is another youngster sure to be a target for Nottingham Forest.
The midfielder is an academy graduate who made his first debut at the age of 16.
In 2019, he earned the EFL Apprentice of the Year award and played his first professional campaign the season after.
Since then, he has been a regular name in the team sheet, and won Sammy Crooks Young Player of the Year award for the 2019/20 season, as well as the Players’ Player of the Year accolade.
6. Festy Ebosele
Nottingham forest have had a £500,000 bid rejected, according to Notts live for the 19-year-old.
Festy Ebosele is sure to stay a target for Nottingham Forest despite their offer being rejected.
The Republic of Ireland international made his debut for his country in May 2021 and should become a regular starter for his club in the future.
