Nottingham Forest
Nuno admits to a “difficult” deal to Nottingham Forest just before the January deadline.
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo says Nottingham Forest are contending with a “difficult” January transfer window.
The Reds’ focus this month was always going to be on overseeing outgoings, with Nuno having made clear he wishes to work with a smaller squad. But the Portuguese does also want to bring in a few key additions.
Forest have less than two weeks of the window remaining in which to get their business done. However, the next fortnight is unlikely to see a major splashing of cash as the club are keen to demonstrate they are taking their Premier League charge for breaching Profitability and Sustainability rules seriously.
“It’s very difficult. You have to realise this is a difficult window to operate in because normally the targets you really want are not available,” Nuno said.
“This happens at all the clubs; the players who are available are the players who are not in a happy moment where they are. It happens to us also, the speculation of players in our squad going out because they are not happy here or some circumstances happen.
“We have to balance the squad due to the absences and the numbers in the squad. This is the work we are doing.”
Nuno’s selection options remain limited ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brentford for a return to Premier League action. Morgan Gibbs-White this week joined an injury list which also includes Anthony Elanga, Divock Origi, Taiwo Awoniyi and Felipe. The Reds are also without Moussa Niakhate, Cheikhou Kouyate, Ola Aina, Willy Boly, Serge Aurier and Ibrahim Sangare as they are on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
