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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Sarah Clapson

Man United transfer decision badly needed as Nottingham Forest mega contract pays off

Welcome to the NottinghamshireLive transfer briefing. To help you keep on top of all things Nottingham Forest going on in the market we've got the latest noises coming from social media, journalists and so-called ITKs, rounding up what's what in the world of the Reds.

Henderson saga

A deal which had appeared relatively simple to do, now seems to be dragging on. Forest want Dean Henderson, the player wants to make the move, but Manchester United’s own goalkeeping situation appears to be holding things up.

For some time, the suggestion has been United wanted clarity over David de Gea before Henderson’s future could be sorted. But then came a twist, with reports De Gea had actually signed a contract extension only for the club to pull out.

NottinghamshireLive says: The last thing Forest need is for this saga to keep stringing out. Getting a keeper in is a priority, and Henderson is their prime target. It is an area which really needs to be strengthened well in advance of the season starting.

READ MORE: Forest transfer swoop foiled as £9.5m winger bid 'rejected'

READ MORE: Forest news and transfers live as Reds face key summer window

The Reds know only too well the risks of waiting too long for United to make a decision over one of their players. The same happened with James Garner last summer. In the end, Forest moved on and looked elsewhere.

The noises continue to point towards Henderson returning to the City Ground (eventually). But United really need to get themselves in order soon as the mess surrounding De Gea is having a knock-on effect.

Hudson-Odoi interest

Forest have been credited with an interest in Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi. However, they would face competition for his services as Fulham and AC Milan are said to be keen. A switch to Saudi Arabia has also been mooted, although the player is reportedly focused on finding a club in the Premier League or mainland Europe.

A summer exit appears likely whatever happens. The Blues are apparently ready to sell for about £15 million.

NottinghamshireLive says: Only a few weeks back, the talk was of Hudson-Odoi being available for £10m, so it does seem the price has gone up as interest grows. It would still represent a good deal, though, if the Reds do opt to pursue the 22-year-old.

His previous links with Steve Cooper could be a decisive factor amid some stiff competition, with the pair having worked together with England Under-17s. Indeed, if anyone can get the best out of a player who not so long ago was seen as one of the brightest prospects to emerge from Chelsea’s academy, it is Cooper.

Hudson-Odoi has had his injury problems, which is a bit of a concern given Forest’s bad fortune on that front last term. But there is no doubt about his talent, and he could fit in well at the City Ground.

Danilo eyed

After barely half a season Trentside, reports from Brazil state Danilo is already on the radar of other clubs. The midfielder is said to have “drawn the attention” of several major European teams.

Reds fans should be able to relax, though - at least for now. There is no suggestion Forest will be fielding offers during this window, but January could be a different matter.

NottinghamshireLive says: It is no real surprise Danilo has made a few teams sit up and take notice. Once he found his feet in English football, he was superb.

It’s clear the Reds have a real gem on their hands, and he’s only going to get better. Keeping hold of him long-term may well be tough as he looks to have the stardust required to get to the very top.

All of which only makes the deal Forest did in January seem even better. To get the Brazilian for somewhere in the region of £16-18m and tie him down to a six-and-a-half-year deal is looking like excellent business.

The time will probably come when he does have to move on, but that shouldn’t be yet. He is one of the players the club should be building the team around this summer.

What transfer business should Forest do this summer? Have your say in the comments below

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