Nottingham Forest look set to be in the market for a new goalkeeper this month.
Leicester City’s third choice stopper Eldin Jakupovic has been linked with a move to the City Ground, via the Leicester Mercury.
It is a common consensus that a good goalkeeper is typically worth an extra 20 points a season.
Costel Pantilimon has come under fire from sections of the City Ground support following some episodes of uncertainty.
Certain Forest fans would have you believe he alone has cost the Reds 20 points already this term.
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The Romanian has been clumsy on occasions and the links to new goalkeepers appear to suggest that Aitor Karanka is starting to side with Pantilimon’s critics.
Another summer signing, Luke Steele, has deputised well in the cup competitions.
Careful consideration
If it has been decided that Forest go out and sign another stopper they should perhaps tread carefully with Jakupovic.
One of the issues that Pantilimon’s critics have had is that he hasn’t really been a regular number one throughout his career; something which Jakupovic can’t lay claim to either.
The Yugoslavia-born custodian has barely played for two seasons at Leicester and in such a key area that represents a risk.
As with most professional goalkeepers, Jakupovic will probably be a capable shot-stopper but is that enough to warrant pursuing his signature?
It would make more sense for Forest to go out and sign a goalkeeper who represents a significant upgrade.
Tom Heaton was linked with a move to the City Ground earlier in the week, according to The Daily Mail (print edition, page 72, Tuesday, January 8, 2019).
A keeper of Heaton’s quality would certainly represent a safer bet than Jakupovic.
Looking closer to home
The Reds can’t afford too many more setbacks in their quest for promotion.
Any players who arrive this month will need to hit the ground running and Jakupovic’s lack of game time is a genuine cause for concern.
Steele performed incredibly well against Chelsea in the cup and he could be an option.
Other areas of Karanka’s squad are in greater need of strengthening than between the posts.
If they can’t sign Heaton, then it might be a better option to hand Steele a run of games instead.