Nottingham Forest may need to brace for potential player departures despite their stunning start to the Premier League season, with contingency plans reportedly underway for possible replacements.
The Reds have surged into third place in the Premier League following a string of five consecutive victories over the festive period, drawing the attention of clubs worldwide to their impressive squad. Among those attracting interest is Chris Wood, who has netted 11 goals this season, prompting Forest to offer the striker a new contract amid reported interest from Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Forest’s resolute defensive performances have also garnered attention, with Manchester United reportedly eyeing Murillo as a solution to their defensive struggles. More recently, reports have surfaced of Liverpool scouting Elliot Anderson, raising concerns about Forest’s midfield depth and possible reinforcements.
### West Ham in Talks for Nicolo Fagioli
According to **Tuttosport** (via **Tuttomercatoweb**), West Ham has initiated discussions to sign Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli. While Forest has been linked to the 23-year-old in the past, the report suggests the Reds have fallen behind in the race for his signature.
London rivals Fulham and Crystal Palace are also reportedly in talks for Fagioli, with Juventus willing to sell him for around £17m. Although Napoli was initially leading the chase for Fagioli, the allure of playing in the Premier League could sway the Italian’s decision.
### Why Forest Needn’t Panic Over Fagioli
Despite Liverpool’s rumored interest in Anderson, Forest fans shouldn’t be overly concerned. Anderson has quickly become a key player since his summer arrival, contributing five assists in the Premier League compared to Fagioli’s lack of goal contributions in Serie A this season.
Moreover, Anderson averages 2.13 chances created per 90 minutes, dwarfing Fagioli’s 0.65 in Italy’s top flight. With Forest not prioritizing central midfield as an area to strengthen in January, Evangelos Marinakis is unlikely to feel pressured to react to West Ham’s interest in Fagioli.
For now, Forest’s focus remains on maintaining their remarkable form, ensuring their current stars stay put, and selectively reinforcing other areas of the squad.