A fresh twist has developed in Nottingham Forest’s hopes of hanging on to Djed Spence next month.
The defender looked like he was about to be recalled by parent club Middlesbrough after a surge in coronavirus cases at the Riverside Stadium.
Boro boss Chris Wilder had outlined his plans to bring back loan players, as he hit out at the English Football League amid his squad being decimated by absentees.
But Middlesbrough’s game against Sheffield United tomorrow has now been postponed, giving the Reds hope Spence might be about to stay put.
A statement from the Blades said: “United’s Sky Bet Championship fixture against Middlesbrough, scheduled for New Year’s Day, has been postponed.
Signing imminent
Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper hasn’t ruled out strengthening with more than one attacking signing during January.
The Reds hope to complete a loan deal for Aston Villa forward Keinan Davis in the next few days, with the transfer window opening tomorrow (January 1).
If the move goes through as expected, the 23-year-old will become Cooper’s first new addition since he took charge of the club back in September.
Adding more firepower is a priority for Forest next month, as they look to close the gap on the Championship’s top six by bolstering their ranks in a few key positions.
Silva responds
Xande Silva has refused to be drawn on transfer speculation linking him with a January move from Nottingham Forest.
But the Portuguese says he has enjoyed being given the chance to show what he can do in the Reds’ last two games.
Silva has been on the radar of Aris Thessaloniki, where he spent last season on loan, amid a lack of minutes at the City Ground.
Whether positive performances against Middlesbrough and Huddersfield Town have changed his situation remains to be seen, however.
Loan status
Boss Steve Cooper was coy over the status of Nottingham Forest’s loanees ahead of the January transfer window opening.
The Reds currently have Jordi Ose-Tutu (Arsenal), Philip Zinckernagel (Watford), Max Lowe (Sheffield United), James Garner (Manchester United) and Djed Spence (Middlesbrough) on their books.
They are hoping to bring in Aston Villa striker Keinan Davis for the second half of the season in the next few days, as Cooper looks to strengthen his attacking options.
Clubs are permitted only five loan players in their matchday squads, but there is some doubt over the futures of some of those already at the City Ground.
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