Nottingham Forest have abandoned their plans to sign their number one January target Armando Broja, according to The Telegraph.
The Albania international was courted by the Reds during the summer but he chose to stay at Stamford Bridge.
Although he’s been getting more game time under Graham Potter it was anticipated that they might consider loaning Broja out.
That had alerted Forest but during a mid-season friendly in Dubai, the Reds were forced to change their plans.
Broja has suffered an injury to his cruciate ligament which means he will be out for at least nine months.
It’s a hammer blow for the player but also for Forest who had identified the youngster as someone who could bolster the strike force.
Broja spent last season on loan with Southampton. He scored nine goals for the team and played largely as a centre-forward.
It seems likely that Forest will go in search of some more firepower in January, with Taiwo Awoniyi top-scoring this season with three league goals.
Now, Broja faces a heartbreaking spell on the sidelines. He was just starting to get some minutes under Potter but will now be missing for months.
Forest abandon Broja plans
This is a shame for the Reds. Forest had put some plans in place and their proactive approach seemed refreshing.
For now, it’s a case of back to the drawing board and perhaps they need to continue searching the market for younger talent.
The beauty of Broja, however, was that although he’s young, he’s proved he can score goals in the Premier League.
Cooper is a master at working with younger players and his work with the England under-17 team will be remembered forever.
Broja would have proved a very useful loan signing from the Premier League and it will be interesting to see where Forest turn now.
Forest could see Sam Surridge go out on loan in January and that will intensify the need for another striker.
Sadly, Broja won’t be heading to the City Ground any time soon.
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