It has been a relatively quiet start to the transfer window for Nottingham Forest’s usual standards.
The club brought in 22 new faces last summer, but there is a need for quality over quantity this time around.
Despite the huge amount of incomings, it was clear that Forest lacked quality in certain areas at stages last season, hence the need for more signings before the start of the Premier League season.
Steve Cooper’s side are rumoured to be targeting reinforcements in all areas of the pitch, so here are three EFL talents that his side should be looking to sign this window:
Andrew Omobamidele
At just 21, Andrew Omobamidele already has 48 appearances for Norwich City, with another six caps for the Republic of Ireland.
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The central defender featured 34 times for the Canaries in the Championship last season and his stellar season hasn’t gone unnoticed with many clubs across Europe targeting the defender this summer.
Norwich value the Irishman at £20 million, with Forest, already said to be interested alongside Italian giants AC Milan and French outfit Nice.
He’s a quick centre-back who is comfortable with the ball at his feet, certainly a signing which would bolster the Forest backline.
Gustavo Hamer
Coventry City paid just £1.3 million for midfielder Gustavo Hamer back in 2020, and no fan of the Sky Blues could have envisaged the impact the Dutchman would’ve had on their squad.
Hamer and recently departed striker Viktor Gyokeres starred as Mark Robins’ side reached the play-off final but narrowly missed out on promotion against Luton Town, with 25-year-old Hamer on the scoresheet at Wembley.
However, Coventry may be forced to cash in on their star midfielder this summer. The former PEC Zwolle man only has 12 months left on his current deal and risk losing him for nothing next season.
Fulham are already said to be interested in Hamer, with Forest also keen to land Coventry’s Player of the Season.
Out of the three in this list, Hamer would be the best fit for Forest.
With Jonjo Shelvey, Remo Freuler and Cheikhou Kouyate seemingly edging closer to the exit, another one or two quality players would be needed for the Reds in midfield.
Hamer is a very similar player to Danilo. He possesses the ability to break up the game, play forward when in possession and offer a threat in the final third as demonstrated by his tally of nine goals, and 10 assists last campaign.
Robins’ side are holding out for a fee of £15 million for the box-to-box midfielder, but with his current contract situation, a deal could certainly be struck at a cut price.
Marko Marosi is a huge fan of Hamer’s. He called him ‘unbelievable’ when he was at the Sky Blues and he’s set for stardom wherever he goes next.
Joel Piroe
A man that has scored 41 times in two Championship campaigns is always going to be highly sought after, and Joel Piroe is no different.
According to WalesOnline, Atalanta, Leicester City, Leeds United, Southampton and Forest are all said to be interested in the 23-year-old forward, who like Hamer has 12 months left on his current deal.
Taiwo Awoniyi ended last season in great form, with six goals in four games. However, during the Nigerian’s spell out with injury, Forest missed his presence up front.
With Sam Surridge set to join MLS side Nashville SC, and fellow striker Emmanuel Dennis not included in the Reds’ pre-season camp in Spain, a new striker is needed.
Piroe is a Premier League-ready forward, and would undoubtedly provide added depth and quality in Forest’s forward department.