Nottingham Forest are now in talks to sell the £20m “fantastic” player a Premier League rival this month, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.
Forest ready for a busy January transfer window
Tricky Trees are on the lookout for a new striker this month, although any new signing is likely to have to play second fiddle to Chris Wood, given the New Zealand international’s incredible form in front of goal this season. Wood now has 13 league goals this season, playing a key role in his side’s unexpected run to a Champions League spot.
Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez is one of the players of interest to Forest, with rumors of a potential £35m move gaining momentum over the past few weeks.
Spatak Moscow Manfred Ugalde is another attacker who Nuno SantoThe team is well aware of this as they have been impressed with his record in front of goal in the Russian Premier League this season.
Connected
As rumors swirl of a new striker set to make his way to The City Ground, there has been talk of Taiwo Awoniyi is leaving this monthbut Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas and Rob Dorsett said afterwards that a deal would not happen unless a replacement was found.
However, a recent update from Florian Plettenberg seems to indicate that Awoniyi could be leaving soon, as West Ham United are now seriously trying to sign the striker.
Talks are now underway over the intricacies of the deal, with Forest trying to hold out for a fee of 20 million poundsalthough that figure is set to drop in order for the Hammers to agree terms.
With the Tricky Trees unwilling to sanction a move unless a replacement is found, their willingness to advance a deal to sell the Nigerian could mean they are confident they have identified a suitable target.
A difficult decision for Forest
It would be a shame to let the 27-year-old go, having played a key role in re-establishing Nottingham Forest as a Premier League club since arriving ahead of the 2022-23 season.
The former Union Berlin player scored 10 goals in his debut Premier League campaign and although his second season was hampered by injury problems, he still managed to collect nine goals in 20 appearances.
Given Wood’s level of performance this season, it was always going to be difficult for the Nigeria international to break into the competition, so he may feel a move is necessary for the sake of his career.
If Forest can find a suitable replacement, and if they can sell the striker for around £20m, it could be a good deal for all parties, including West Ham, who find themselves limited in their attacking options with Niclas Füllkrug and Michail Antonio currently out.
Awoniyi was “fantastic” occasionally for Forest, so it will be sad if he continues this winter, but it could be the right decision.
