Nottingham Forest manager Martin O’Neill will be looking to bolster his attacking options over the next few months.
The Northern Irishman guided the Reds to a ninth place finish in the Championship last season. He replaced Aitor Karanka at the beginning of the year, but was unable to steer the Reds into the play-off places.
One of the main issues which became evident in the latter stages of the season was the lack of quality wide options. For the most part, Matty Cash and Lolley were played out wide, but the former isn’t good enough for a side challenging for promotion.
With Forest finishing eight points off the play-offs, it’s essential that they add to their attack, in order to take the pressure off Lolley next season.
In the meantime, Seat Pitch has taken a look at four wingers who have all been mentioned in recent weeks as potential targets.
Kamil Grosicki
The winger who has been most recently linked with the Reds is Kamil Grosicki. Reports linking the 30-year-old with a move to the City Ground have been generally met positively by supporters. Grosicki has already proven himself in the Championship and picked up nine goals and 12 assists last season.
One of the main issues with any deal for Grosicki would be the cost involved. Hull City wouldn’t be willing to let one of their star performers leave on the cheap. He still has a year left on his contract so there’s no need for them to offload him for less than he’s worth. According to last week’s report in The Sun on Sunday (26/5; Page 69), O’Neill would be willing to spend £2.5 million on the winger.
Callum O’Dowda
If Grosicki’s age is an issue for some, then 24-year-old Bristol City winger Callum O’Dowda may seem a better bet. A report in Bristol Live last week touted Forest, Leeds United and Stoke City as potential destinations for the flying winger. He looks set to leave Ashton Gate this summer and there will be a host of clubs chasing his signature.
O’Dowda made 31 appearances for the Robins last season, and managed to pick up four goals and four assists. However, that return doesn’t really reflect his ability. The Republic of Ireland international’s pace and forward energy makes him a real threat at this level. Therefore, it would be an astute signing if the Reds could get a deal done.
Jamal Lowe
According to the Nottingham Post, the Reds had Jamal Lowe on their radar a couple of months ago. However, if they do reignite their interest, they won’t be the only club chasing the signature of the Portsmouth ace. According to Portsmouth News, West Bromwich Albion, Middlesbrough and Leeds United are all monitoring his situation.
The 25-year-old scored 16 goals and picked up eight assists in 45 appearances in League One last season. That is a phenomenal return for a winger, no matter what level they are playing at. Therefore, it is perhaps unsurprising that so many teams at a higher level are reportedly interested in him.
Bruno Andrade
Perhaps a more realistic target for the Reds this summer would be Lincoln City winger Bruno Andrade. According to Lincolnshire Live, the winger is already attracting interest from Aston Villa and Portsmouth. Considering the Imps need to raise funds for their upcoming League One campaign, they may be willing to offload the 25-year-old for the right price.
The Imps claimed the League Two title last season, and Andrade played an integral role. He netted 11 goals and contributed seven assists. If he is on the move this month, the Reds would certainly be wise to take a look.
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