Report claims what Steve Cooper wants at Nottingham Forest more than anything in January

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Nottingham Forest are in the market to sign some new players during the January transfer window. Although 23 new additions were made in the summer, a mini-injury crisis has threatened to derail the push for survival.

Now, a report by The Telegraph has detailed the areas that Cooper would like to strengthen more than anything this month. It comes on the back of the news that Forest are bidding £18 million for Palmeiras midfielder Danilo.

The report claims that Forest want to key areas to be addressed this month. It’s claimed that although Steve Cooper wants a tough-tackling central midfielder, he also wants a centre-back and a striker as priorities.

Danilo would be a wonderful signing. He is highly sought-after, with Arsenal interested in him this month too. The 21-year-old is a future star and played alongside new Reds signing Gustavo Scarpa last season.

It would appear that although a midfielder is being targeted first, other areas are more of a concern to Cooper. His rearguard and his front line do need some work and it’s perhaps no surprise to read the latest report.

Forest have become more settled defensively in recent weeks. Joe Worrall and Willy Boly have struck up a partnership, with Serge Aurier and Renan Lodi pinning down the positions on the wing.

In reserve, however, the jury is out over Steve Cook. His best days at Premier League level look way behind him and some more competition alongside Scott McKenna is required.

In terms of a striker, Taiwo Awoniyi has produced the goods of late. After him, however, Emmanuel Dennis and Sam Surridge have just a single goal between them during 2022/23.

Cooper wants to strengthen and Forest in the market for a striker and a centre-back

This doesn’t come to much of a surprise. Forest have struggled to score goals and more often than not they’ve struggled to keep the ball out of the net, particularly away from the City Ground.

Getting Danilo over the line would be a great start to January. He looks to have all the attributes that suggest he can replace Cheikhou Kouyate who will be out until March at the earliest.

It looks as though the signings at the front and back will be more telling, however. If Forest can nail those this month they could be well on their way to securing another season of Premier League football.