Nottingham Forest have been making use of the loan window, despite their recent troubles with a transfer embargo. Liam Trotter and Jonny Williams have both arrived in order to bolster an injury ravaged midfield, and the recent win over Derby has helped lift the spirits.
Perhaps not completely, but the 1-0 win over their rivals served as a reminder that this Forest side can remain competitive despite their off the field issues. It is important to note that they were only a point outside the play-off spots earlier this season, before a dip in form that coincided with their injury crisis.
Ending Paul Clement’s impressive run of 10 games unbeaten last week will lift the spirits, and the fact that Liam Trotter’s loan has been extended a further month will help round out the squad. However, there is still some room for improvement.
Finances may be tight, and it may not be quite as simple as identifying a target and chasing him these days, but there are some gems within the loan market to be found.
If those behind the scenes at the City Ground can pull any of these deals off, it is likely to help them in the long run.
Here are FIVE Premier League loan Nottingham Forest should consider…
PATRICK BAMFORD – CHELSEA
Obviously, his loan at Crystal Palace would have to come to an end, though that is something that does seem likely. The striker has rarely featured for the Eagles, and reports suggest the Blues could recall the 22-year old should he continue to sit of first-team action.
Bamford has been a revelation in England’s second tier in the past, with the likes of Derby and Middlesbrough. A prolific frontman at this level, winning the Championship Player of the Year while in the North East.
Infact, before moving to Chelsea as a teeanger, the forward was a trainee for the Reds and appeared twice in their first team.
He may be hard to pin down, but should Forest capture him, the England U21 star would represent a major coup for Dougie Freedman. His arrival would help take some of the burden off the Forest frontline in shooting them up the league.
Would be hard to capture considering the financial restrictions, though could be the best signing available.
GARY GARDNER – ASTON VILLA
Any request for a loan fee may prove to be an obstacle in resigning Gary Gardner on loan, but the Aston Villa man would be a welcome addition. The 23-year-old enjoyed a productive spell at the City Ground at the back end of last season, netting four times in 18 appearances from the engine room.
Clearly, he has fond memories of his time there, having recently taken to Twitter to express his delight at the derby win over the Rams. The former England U21 star has a knack for popping up with goals, as proved with his stunning effort against Reading last year.
If a deal can be struck, Freedman would surely love to have him back in the ranks.
MODOU BARROW – SWANSEA
Despite being recalled from Blackburn Rovers in the summer to cover for Nathan Dyer’s departure, Modou Barrow has been unable to firmly dislodge the likes of Andre Ayew, Jefferson Montero and Bafetimbi Gomis up front at the Liberty Stadium.
With the Welsh outfit struggling at the wrong end of the table, and links with Spurs winger Andros Townsend, Barrow could soon become available once more. The Gambian burst onto the scene with a win against Arsenal last season, terrorising the Gunners’ backline with his pace.
Clearly available when the Swans squad is rounded out, the forward would add pace and urgency to Freedman’s side, as well as providing a lethal weapon on the counter attack.
JOEY O’BRIEN – WEST HAM
The Irish utility man would be a sensible signing, as he can cover a variety of positions and is unlikely to command a loan fee. The 29-year-old can’t get a look in as the Hammers push on with their evolution under Slaven Bilic.
Considering the gruelling Championship season, borrowing a player who can play across the backline and even in midfield would be a wise addition.
The former Bolton man is no world beater, but dependable in most roles – especially at Championship level.
JOSH CULLEN – WEST HAM
Another Hammer here. Josh Cullen has already played at Premier League, Europa League and Republic of Ireland’s U21 level, and is still only 19. Some pedigree.
An energetic central midfielder, he requires the graft necessary to make it the Championship, and is likely to endear himself to the frustrated Forest faithful with his industry. Surely a loan move to a big club would appeal to the young star as he looks to impress Slaven Bilic.
Injury to Dimitri Payet may force a reshuffle at Upton Park, though Cullen has a top class pedigree already and needs regular football at this stage of his career to truly build on that.