Nottingham Forest are in the market for a number of players during today’s transfer deadline day drama.
Forest have been here before. Only 12 months ago, the Reds landed seven players on deadline day and hopefully, things won’t be quite so frantic today.
Forest have been rather shrewd in the transfer market this summer and certainly, it feels like no more than three players will be signed during today’s drama.
Already, a few players have been linked, with striker Omar Marmoush in the sights of Forest as well as a goalkeeper – and possibly a midfielder.
Nottingham Forest interest in James Ward-Prowse is genuine
This update comes from Sky Sports’ transfer guru Dharmesh Sheth who has suggested Forest are keen to sign the midfielder today.
He’s said on the Live Transfer Blog for Sky Sports: “West Ham not given up on signing PSG midfielder Carlos Soler. A lot of details on potential deal agreed. West Ham want to create squad space. Nottingham Forest looking at James Ward-Prowse. West Ham not actively looking to let him go but may be open to offers.”
The Hammers only signed Ward-Prowse last summer but Julen Lopetegui doesn’t seem to fancy him and he’s played for just 16 minutes in the first two Premier League matches under the Spaniard.
Forest will face competition for Ward-Prowse from Southampton but right now, Sheth believes Forest could be the strongest suitor.
Ward-Prowse is a deadly set-piece specialist and he is only two free-kicks away from breaking David Beckham’s record in the Premier League.
Ashley Cole is also a huge fan of the midfielder, calling him ‘special’ back in August 2023 following his West Ham debut.
In addition to this, Fabrizio Romano has also just posted on X that Forest have opened talks with West Ham to try and sign Ward-Prowse before the deadline.
Ward-Prowse would be quality but he’s not a priority
Signing a player with 11 England caps and the set-piece capability of Ward-Prowse is not to be sniffed at from a supporter’s perspective.
As fans, becoming entitled is not something Forest want to become guilty of and the midfielder is clearly a brilliant player.
However, Forest are in more need of a striker and ultimately, if the club only brings one player in today it has to be a talisman to bolster the top end of the pitch.
Ward-Prowse earns £115,000-a-week at West Ham and that in itself might represent an issue for Forest.
If something can be struck in the way of an initial loan then perhaps it’s definitely a deal worth doing to strengthen the midfield options at the club.
However, it shouldn’t be a priority and it will be fascinating to see what deals bear fruit for Forest on deadline day.
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