Nottingham Forest favourites to sign former Liverpool sensation in January

Nottingham Forest’s January plans are beginning to take shape after Oliver Glasner chose not to overload his squad during the summer window.

The Forest boss has explained that he turned down the chance to make further additions before the deadline.

REUTERS/Andrew Boyers

Without European football this season, he wanted a tighter group and more time to decide where fresh quality would be needed.

That has not stopped new names from appearing on the City Ground radar this week.

Fenerbahçe left back Archie Brown is reportedly back under consideration, and Forest are said to be preparing an offer worth about £13 million, although his Turkish club are believed to value him at roughly twice that figure and do not want to sell in January.

Kees Smit is another player attracting attention.

The AZ Alkmaar midfielder has admirers across the Premier League, with Forest among a crowded group reportedly tracking his progress. Liverpool, Chelsea, Brighton and Aston Villa have also been linked.

There is interest further forward too.

Red Bull Salzburg striker Karim Konate is reportedly being watched by Forest and Sunderland, while German clubs Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt are also said to be in the picture.

Forest have already arranged the January arrival of Michael Noonan from Shamrock Rovers.

However, the 18-year-old attacker is a longer-term investment, so his deal is unlikely to stop Glasner looking for more immediate help.

Midfield could be one of the key areas.

Elliot Anderson’s summer move to Man City removed a major star from the side. Xaver Schlager provided experience as a free agent, but Forest could still use another player who can receive under pressure and move possession through the centre.

That is where former Liverpool sensation Tyler Morton enters the conversation.

Nottingham Forest favourites to sign Tyler Morton in January

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, believes Forest are currently ahead of Newcastle in the race for the Lyon midfielder if a move develops in January.

Morton left Liverpool for Lyon in search of a proper senior platform after finding his route into the Anfield team blocked, and a Premier League return would only make sense if his next club could show him a clear role.

Wyness views Forest as the “favourites for January”, while suggesting Newcastle may become the more likely destination if the situation runs into next summer.

Forest may therefore have a small window of opportunity.

At 23, Morton is young enough to grow with the side but has already experienced senior football in England and France.

His passing and calmness could bring a different rhythm to Glasner’s midfield, while regular minutes at the City Ground may be easier to offer than at St James’ Park.

There is no indication that Forest have agreed a fee or opened advanced negotiations with Lyon, and Wyness was giving his reading of the race, rather than reporting that a deal is close.

Even so, the link makes sense alongside the other rumours.

Forest resisted making late summer signings without a firm plan.

If Glasner now wants a midfielder ready to play straight away, moving early for Morton could put them in a strong position before Newcastle’s expected summer push.