Nottingham Forest have been linked with everybody bar the milkman this January as speculation arises on who Manager Chris Hughton will want to bring in to the club and despite the former Brighton & Newcastle boss suggesting they’ll be minimal acquisitions; the rumour mills have already started spinning to where the Reds might improve.

Hughton has recently stated that Forest “already have a big squad” and “January is a difficult time to bring in who we want” but “finding the balance” and “getting goals” are also comments made by the former Republic-of-Ireland international who suggests that “bringing in one or two fresh faces in January, changes the dynamics of the squad, which is always a good thing”.

So who does Hughton want? Who is hear-say? There’s a number of targets Forest have and the list is growing by the day.

Kamil Grosicki

The Reds were seconds too late to sign Grosicki from West Bromwich Albion in October as they failed to get his paperwork done in time for a deadline day move to the City Ground but it seems now that the Polish wingers ship has sailed away as the 32-year-old who played his first ninety minutes (and more) for the Baggies this season, against Blackpool at the weekend, is hoping to feature more often for his new Manager Sam Allardyce. Should the former Bolton boss not want Grosicki’s services, that could pave a way back open for a loan deal at least, hopefully this time, all involved don’t leave it as late as the last day of the transfer window to make their decision.

Shane Duffy

The 29-year-old Irish international is one that is known well by Hughton and one that has Championship experience having gained promotion to the Premier League at Brighton but loaned out to Celtic for the first half of this season, Duffy has failed to impress at Parkhead with a string of underwhelming performances thus far. With Hughton tipped to end his Scottish nightmare it would seem fitting his old boss takes pity but with Forest already healthy in the centre back position, it might simply congest an area that doesn’t need improving as much as others might do instead right now.

Kostas Fortounis

1+1=2 and as Forest need goals, Greek brothers Olimpiacos may have just what the Reds need. Kostas Fortounis is captain of the Greece National team and having played 238 games for the Erythrolefki scoring 74 goals, the attacking winger may seem an obvious name to brandish around, but a local legend and one that is loved at his club sitting top of their division and in the last 32 of the Europa League, one questions whether this is only an equation relating to lazy journalism? Stranger things have happened? This January however? Feel free to hunt us down if we’re wrong.

Dwight Gayle

Goals are what Forest need and Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle has often been tipped for a move back to the Championship as he is a player that can certainly provide ammunition. Whilst not in the immediate plans of Steve Bruce it looks likely Gayle will be prized away from St James’ Park this window in a bid to simply play football, the 30-year-old has been linked with Crystal Palace, West Bromwich Albion and Fulham who can offer Premier League football, whilst Forest have hinted they may not be interested at this time.

Luke Jephcott

Plymouth Argyle Manager Ryan Lowe last month said his 20-year-old star striker Jephcott ‘is going nowhere’ this January, which usually means quite the opposite should a healthy bid come through. One of the players of the division in League One this season, Jephcott has scored 12 goals in 17 league games and would be available for around £3m should the Reds want to prize him away from Home Park? Question is do Forest have that amount to spend under current circumstances?

Filip Krovinovic

Owned by Benfica but could be loaned by West Bromwich Albion as the young Croatian midfielder finds himself edged out of Sam Allardyce’s plans. A player that was a huge part of Slaven Bilic’s side that gained promotion to the Premier League is one that would certainly improve the Reds midfield, but the complications over a move could be a sticking point with PAOK also interested in the Zagreb born star.

Emiliano Marcondes

The Brentford midfielder has been in and out of the Bees squad since joining in 2018 and talks over a new contract have been stalling so a move away from West London could be on the cards should a club move fast enough to secure his services. Midfield is a position that Forest are light in and the former Danish U21 international offers creativity in that department, a fee would be expected however as a loan move would most probably be out of the question.

*Main image @aboutceltic Shane Duffy is linked with a move to Forest.