The football season might be in full swing for Nottingham Forest but the transfer preparation never ceases.
Forest have enjoyed plenty of success in the transfer market over the last 12 months or so.
In the summer of 2023, 13 new players were added – which was considerably down on the 23 who were signed following promotion.
A more meticulous approach was taken this summer with 11 new additions coming through the door at the City Ground.
Forest have reaped the rewards on the pitch and after 11 matches of the new campaign, fifth place is where the team sit in the Premier League table.
Mathys Tel of Bayern Munich has been linked with Forest and it appears that players will arrive in January.
Other players are now starting to be linked with the Reds and one eye definitely appears to be on the future.
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Nottingham Forest want Sunderland starlet Chris Rigg
The 17-year-old is currently one of the most sought-after youngsters in Europe.
According to Alan Nixon of The Sun, Rigg is on the radar of a number of top clubs with Forest now throwing their hat into the ring.
Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid have been linked with Rigg previously with other clubs keen.
Rigg has played in 14 Championship matches this season – starting in 13 of them – and scored three goals for the Black Cats this season.
A versatile midfielder, Rigg can play as a conventional number eight but is also versatile to do a job as a number 10.
Signing the midfielder won’t come cheap, with Sunderland wanting £25 million for his services if he’s to be sold any time soon.
Chris Rigg models his game on Steven Gerrard
During a recent interview, Rigg was asked to name some of his inspirations.
Having come through the ranks as a forward he has a host of players that he looks up to – but Gerrard is the one he’s settled on now.
He told The Mirror: “I want to add goals and assists to my game.
“I want to be energetic – I always studied wingers and tricky players. I used to watch Neymar, Arjen Robben.
“I am different now. I love Steven Gerrard. He was unbelievable and that is the type I’d try to be. He can stop a goal and score goals.”
After Rigg’s debut in the FA Cup against Shrewsbury when he was just 15-years-old, Sunderland captain Luke O’Nien raved about the player.
He told Chronicle Live: “He’s been coming up to the first team and making us look silly.”
Forest would welcome a new midfielder
Right now, the squad looks thin on the ground when it comes to the midfield engine room.
Ryan Yates and Nicolas Dominguez are the two players in possession of the shirts right now, with James Ward-Prowse as backup.
However, Danilo and Ibrahim Sangare are long-term casualties and that represents a problem.
Forest would welcome another player in the midfield engine room and having someone as versatile as Rigg would be ideal.
Although the player is only 17, he is playing regularly in the EFL and if Forest can sign him it would see the club complete a coup for the future.
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