It’s no secret where Nottingham Forest need to strengthen this summer.
Having struggled to find the back of the net last season, it is a problem boss Chris Hughton must fix before the next campaign rolls around.
That includes bringing in extra resources during the transfer window.
If the Reds are going to challenge for a top six place, they need to add more goals to the squad.
Forest have been linked with plenty of strikers already, with the likes of Accrington Stanley’s Dion Charles, Blackpool’s Jerry Yates, Rochdale’s Stephen Humphrys and former Red Britt Assombalonga all said to be on Hughton’s radar.
But there are others out there, including a fair few recently released from Premier League clubs.
That Sergio Aguero had a decent CV before he was picked up by Barcelona, while Charlie Austin has already been recruited by Queens Park Rangers.
Here’s a look at who else is available. Could any do a job for the Reds?
Sean Adarkwa, West Ham United
The 20-year-old has had a reputation for his strength, speed and finishing ability as he’s come through the ranks at West Ham, converted from winger to centre forward. Has been on trial at QPR.
Sergio Aguero, Manchester City
Set to join Barcelona on July 1.
Dempsey Arlott-John, Leicester City
Quick 19-year-old who likes to take defenders on, can play up front or as the main striker.
Also starred in a changing room rap video, performing Stormzy’s Shut Up, which was watched more than 1.5 million times when it went viral.
Charlie Austin, West Bromwich Albion
Championship marksman has joined QPR, where he spent last season on loan.
Brandon Aveiro, Crystal Palace
A 19-year-old Portugal youth international who has previously been linked with West Ham, Everton, Braga, Sporting Lisbon and Benfica. Can play on either flank, too.
Andy Carroll, Newcastle United
The Premier League's retained list is not definitive and in theory Carroll could still be offered a new deal as his contract is still active until June 30.
The 32-year-old has made 43 appearances since arriving back at Newcastle on a free transfer in summer 2019, despite concerns about injuries and fitness.
Danny Cashman, Brighton & Hove Albion
Diminutive 20-year-old who likes a dribble, can play as a winger or in number 9 or 10 roles.
Told SussexLive: "There has been quite a bit of interest, some good teams on the table. I am really excited about what I can pick from and hopefully it works out for the best. I have seen a lot of rumours on Twitter, which is quite funny to read.
"I am open to anything, whether it is in England or abroad. Ideally staying in England would be the best thing for me and trying to push on here.
"Whether that is Championship, League One or League Two, ultimately I want to play first-team regularly and working my way back up to where I want to be."
Cheikh Diaby, West Brom
There had been high hopes for Diaby since he joined Albion from Le Havre in 2019 and was tipped for a loan move over the winter, having had his season disrupted by quarantine.
“He’s a powerful boy, he’s going to score goals, he’s going to give defences a problem because of his physicality,” said academy boss Richard Stevens.
Niklas Haugland, Leeds United
Norway youth international had previously had trials at Bayern Munich and AC Milan and scored a goal every other game for the under-18s.
Now aged 19, his progress was stilted by injuries and he only made the under-23s bench once in the past season.
Joe Hardy, Liverpool
Ended up at Liverpool in early 2020 via youth stints with Manchester City and Brentford, where he had scored 40 goals in 80 games for their B team. Wirral-born 22-year-old is a number 9-style forward who scored six times in 12 under-23s appearances this season.
Josh King, Everton
Newcastle United, Norwich City and West Ham have been linked with the 29-year-old former Bournemouth and Blackburn Rovers striker after a short-term contract at Everton came to an end.
Alfie Matthews, Crystal Palace
England youth international, aged 19, joined Palace from Arsenal last autumn. Three goals for the under-23s this season.
“I had interest from a couple of northern clubs and two Serie A teams were actually talking about signing me as a first-team player,” he said at the time.
Rodel Richards, Tottenham Hotspur
Back fit since April after six months out with injury and ended up with three goals in nine Premier League 2 appearances. Normally plays as a second striker.
Hal Robson-Kanu, West Brom
Wales hero spent five years at the Hawthorns after making his breakthrough at Reading. Now aged 32, he was left out of the squad for the European Championships, having scored five times in 23 appearances this term.
Kazaiah Sterling, Tottenham Hotspur
The 22-year-old spent the second half of this season on loan at Greenock Morton, having previously been on loan at Southend United.
Michael Tait, Aston Villa
Can play as striker or in attacking midfield. The 20-year-old has been on the fringes of Villa’s under-23s squad this season.
Arman Taranis, Burnley
Denmark youth international joined Burnley after a short trial last autumn. The 19-year-old, who can also play on the wing, has “shown potential” and is hoping to secure another English club, say LancsLive.
Martell Taylor-Crossdale, Fulham
The 21-year-old had a trial at QPR earlier this year. England youth international was formerly on Chelsea’s books and had a prolific junior record, scoring 29 times in 37 games in the under-18 Premier League, and 11 times in 36 games in Premier League Two.
But also had a difficult loan spell at Colchester where his only appearance was in EFL Trophy.
Connor Wickham, Crystal Palace
Is still only 28. Started out at Ipswich and had a big money move to Sunderland before joining Palace in 2015. Hampered by knee injuries, he hasn’t played since a loan game at Sheffield Wednesday in July last year.
