Morgan Gibbs-White transfer verdict delivered as Nottingham Forest told to take striker stance

This is an important transfer window for Nottingham Forest as they look to maintain their lofty position in the Premier League table.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are firmly in the mix for the European spots and they are wary of overhauling their squad too much at the risk of disrupting the momentum built up in charging into the top three on the back of six successive victories in the top-flight. For that reason, it could be a relatively quiet January at the City Ground.

Nevertheless, the rumour mill has still been in full swing so we have assesses some of the latest Forest transfer gossip to rule on whether any of it has merit... .

Interest reignited?

Santiago Gimenez is the transfer story that refuses to go away. The summer window saw plenty of twists and turns where the Feyenoord striker was concerned, and it seems January will be no different.

The 23-year-old has not been shy about discussing why he rejected a switch Trentside in the summer, having said he had “a lot of doubts” about the move. Now he has revealed he sought advice from Liverpool boss Arne Slot when news of Forest’s interest in him emerged.

“I spoke to him a couple of times when I got that offer. I asked him for his advice, and he gave it to me. The content of the conversation remains between us, but that was the last time we spoke,” Gimenez has said.

The revelation from the Mexican comes as the Reds are said to have reignited their interest in him. Reports from his homeland have once again linked Forest with a move for Gimenez as they weigh up their January business. Arsenal, Fulham and AC Milan have also been credited with an interest in the forward, who has also said he would be keen to link up with ex-Feyenoord boss Slot again in the future.

Get breaking Forest news sent direct to your phone

Join our Nottingham Forest WhatsApp group and get the latest breaking news, interviews and opinion sent straight to your phone, plus matchday team news and live updates of all the action. Just click here and select ‘Join Community’ to get started. The only proviso is that you must have WhatsApp on your phone to participate. No one will be able to see your personal information and you will only receive messages from the NottinghamshireLive Reds writers.

We will not spam your WhatsApp feed with constant messages, but you will receive updates from us daily with the latest Reds stories. If you later decide to opt out, just go to the name at the top of your screen and click 'Exit Group'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you are curious, you can click here to read our Privacy Notice.

NottinghamshireLive says: It is no secret that Forest could do with signing a striker before the winter window closes. They tried in the summer, including with Gimenez, but couldn’t get a deal for a forward over the line.

The club’s stance back then was arguably a sensible one. They refused to spend for the sake of it amid a strategic and considered approach to their business.

A few months down the line, however, adding another option up front would certainly be beneficial as Nuno’s men look to sustain their challenge at the top end of the table. Finding the right target is crucial, though - and there is a debate to be had over whether Gimenez falls into that category.

Had he put pen to paper in the summer, he might have been considered a good addition. He is young but already has a fair bit of experience under his belt and knows where the goal is.

Nevertheless, surely he has had his chance at linking up with Nuno’s team? He has said he opted to stay at Feyenoord due to the lure of Champions League football. Forest might be in that competition themselves next term but given his previous dismissive comments, few would blame the club for not trying their luck with Gimenez again.

Gibbs-White targeted

Liverpool are said to be keeping tabs on Reds playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White. Slot’s side are reportedly among a number of teams “with a keen interest” in the 24-year-old.

Gibbs-White has never been short of admirers amid his impressive form in the Garibaldi. And with clubs looking to bolster their squads before the winter window closes on February 3, he is in the spotlight again.

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool have their eye on him. The report also points out that Newcastle United and Aston Villa made “tentative enquiries” in the summer and Manchester City have long been “aware” of his quality.

NottinghamshireLive says: It is no surprise rivals are taking a look at Forest’s star men, including Gibbs-White. It comes with the territory when a team is doing well.

It is perhaps even less of a surprise that Liverpool are the ones being linked. Slot’s side have also been credited with interest in Murillo and Elliot Anderson.

Add to the mix that pundits are debating whether Forest are in the title race as they sit just six points below the Merseyside outfit in the table and fans can be forgiven for wondering if there is more to such transfer talk. After all, the two teams meet at the City Ground next Tuesday (January 14, 8pm kick-off) in what has the makings of being a mouthwatering clash.

The Reds’ priority this window is to hang on to their key men. Nuno has been clear about just how important such a strategy was in the summer, and he is eager for the same again.

Even so, news of the club being in contract talks with Gibbs-White will be a huge positive for supporters. Agreeing fresh terms with the likes of the England international, Ola Aina, Chris Wood and Murillo is a priority for Forest this month.

Gibbs-White is crucial for Nuno’s side and has the potential to get even better. Securing his future by overseeing a new deal and shutting down any transfer talk would be a real statement of intent.

What transfer business should Forest do this month? Click HERE to have your say