The Portuguese instilled a fast and direct style of football that greatly benefitted his roster of players, something that has seen questions asked about the future of some key parts of that system. Anthony Elanga has joined Newcastle United while Morgan Gibbs-White has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Nottingham, as such, need reinforcements, especially with European football on the horizon. Now, it would seem they have settled on a player who could replace Elanga.

Forest Want Ndoye

Opening bid being readie

Florian Plettenberg has reported, as per Luca Bendoni, that Forest have “already reached a verbal agreement” with Dan Ndoye on his would-be contract. The Swiss international, who has been with Bologna since 2023, recently enjoyed the best campaign of his career.

Ndoye, who has been described as “outrageous,” scored the only goal for Bologna against AC Milan in the Coppa Italia final, his club’s first honour of such in over 50 years. The winger’s form has understandably attracted Forest’s attention as, on paper, Ndoye would be a brilliant replacement for Elanga, given the pace and technical ability he has.

Plettenberg reported that Napoli are also interested in Ndoye, though the allure of playing in a new division, the Premier League at that, may be too much for the Swiss to ignore.

Latest Nottingham Forest verdict as Nuno Espirito Santo’s Reds draw 0-0 with AS Monaco in second pre-season friendly

Nottingham Forest drew 0-0 with AS Monaco in their second pre-season friendly of the summer.

Prior to the Reds’ second outing of the summer, Morgan Gibbs-White had been at the centre of plenty of speculation amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur. But the England international was named in the starting XI and had a chance in the opening few minutes when he got on the end of a Callum Hudson-Odoi corner.

Forest’s Matz Sels was the busier of the two goalkeepers in the opening 45 minutes, however. The Belgian made some excellent stops to keep the visitors at bay, including clawing away a fine effort from Saimon Bouabre and denying Breel Embolo on the stroke of half-time.

In what was a good test for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, they did put together a few promising moves at the other end of the pitch in a goalless first half. Gibbs-White had another opening on the half-hour mark but got his end product all wrong and his wayward ball floated out of play.

A completely different Reds XI took to the pitch for the second half. Brazilian Carlos Miguel followed in the footsteps of Sels by quickly being called into action as Monaco continued to create chances.

Dale Taylor went close for Forest with a half-volley 15 minutes from time but there was no breakthrough for either side at Chesterfield’s SMH Group Stadium. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players against Monaco.

Forest starting XI

Matz Sels: Was kept busy by a sharp Monaco side who caused the Reds a few problems. There was no getting past the Belgian, however, as he showed why he took home the Golden Glove award last season.

Ola Aina: Looked as reliable as ever at right-back. Got forward well and contributed to some positive Forest moves. The Reds will be delighted they have got him tied down to a new contract – could be one of their most important pieces of business this summer.

Zach Abbott: The youngster generally acquitted himself well against a strong team who had a habit of putting together slick passing moves. A somewhat makeshift Forest defence had plenty on their plate at times.

Morato: Did OK alongside Abbott in the centre of the back line without necessarily standing out. Likely still has his work cut out to force his way into the starting XI if Nuno sticks with a back four next term, though.

David Carmo: Asked to do a job at left-back – highlighting Forest’s shortage of full-back options at present with Neco Williams having sustained an injury while on international duty last month. Gave it a decent go.