Latest Round of Transfer Gossip

Several new names have been linked and connected with Forest as we begin to approach the end of the transfer window. The fact it has been said we feel we need 3 more players, and are in the market for some has sent tongues wagging as to who they may well be. Here is a roundup of the names linked.

Gabriel Tamas
29 year old and 6’2 central defender Gabriel Tamas, a Romanian international has been linked. The West Brom defender has been linked with moves away from the Hawthorns all summer but has constantly distanced himself from such rumours. Now the window is coming to a close maybe that could change. Tamas is somewhat a controversial figure, he was banned from the Romanian team for a short while after being caught out drinking with Adrian Mutu before a game in 2011. If we are in for him it would signal the definite end of the chase for Wes Morgan.

Bakary Sako
A name previously mentioned there were strong hints today we were in for him. What would be another left sided midfielder, though more attacking than some, he is currently at Wolves, for whom he was a big purchase last season following relegation from the Premier League and was meant to help fire them back up. Now in league One after their successive relegations Sako would be surely be keen for a way out of playing in the third tier. He is both eligible for France and Mali at international football.

Grant Leadbitter
Another rumour that won’t die is Grant Leadbitter despite a number of bids being turned down, it seems we may just go in with a high offer as Billy see’s him as integral to our plans. Guedioura is not the man Billy wants in the hole in front of defence and would like a more McKenna esque, ball shielding, water carrier type role player. Leadbitter is his man for this. Whether this goes through is another matter. Boro have made it clear they don’t want to sell, and the indication is they don’t need to, but every player has his price right?

Jason Holt
Same old names all summer, which shows either the WUM ITK accounts are nothing but consistent or there is actual truth. After low offers for the Hearts midfielder were turned down (it appears we were testing just how impoverished the Scottish side are) we may go back with a more realistic market valuation of the player, rather than a hoping to pinch on the cheap. Hearst have clearly played this game well, holding out for a good price for one of their sought after players, rather taking the money and running.

Shane Long
It what appears to be lazy journalism we have been linked with West Brom striker Shane Long, who started last season very well. West Brom have just signed Anelka and Vydra who might take a more prominent role, but that forgets that Odemwingie and Lukaku have both been removed from that pecking order, meaning surely there is a role for Long, as even with Anelka, he is getting on and won’t play as often. I can’t see this one happening, Long has something to offer at the top flight, and his wages would be inflated. However, he has one year left of his deal, and Forest might see this as a potential cut price transfer.

Transfer Rumour Mill - Jul 29th

Well it’s all gone nuts this weekend rumours wise.


Charlie Austin
Well there is a few things with this one. Firstly the odds. I’ve never really been one to gamble on where a player ends up, its, well, a gamble. But apparently his odds keep plummeting, so people think it’s a sure thing. Now the basic thing is, if you keep gambling on something bookies react by lowering the odds and lowering their risk, if more people keep betting, odds keep dropping. So although it’s also because of likelihood, it’s also in response to betting habits. Furthermore was a rumour we have a medical booked in. The fact of course we have been chasing him for the summer, and that Burnley look resigned to selling, it almost came down to a us v QPR shoot out. However remember he did fail a Hull medical. And we know about us and medicals.


Kelvin Wilson
The other rumour that won’t go away, following having the £1.5 million offer rebuffed, we have gone back in with another offer, which is being accepted as it’s what Celtic apparently quoted. It’s believed to be around £3million mark, but that’s likely to vary on a final figure. Any deal would likely see add ons if we get promoted etc. Kelvin apparently wants to move back south, as he wants to be close to his family (and apparently young daughter)


Mahmoud Hassan
Or more well known as the Egyptian “Trezeguet.” This one is apparently dead in the water according to the latest news. The 20 year old has been put on a back burner due to his club al-Ahly demanding too much. Nice and Atletico Madrid are also balking at the fee’s demanded.


Grant Leadbitter
Another deal that seems to be going nowhere. Mowbray has been quoted as saying he is integral to the side, and having £2mill offers turned down, it seems we have got the message that he isn’t for sale.


Jason Holt
Following the news from Jim price on twitter that Forest haven’t given up on any of their targets, one has to assume therefore we haven’t given up on Jason Holt. Holt a central midfielder for Hearts would be available for a fraction of the Leadbitter cost, and we seem to have tested their financial resolve with a couple of low offers. Bear in mind Hearts are in a dire financial state, so if we were still in for him, surely £300k would test their breaking point, and maybe get him. Do we need more midfielders? Well in that defensive role maybe, Billy clearly doesn’t rate Gillett, and Moussi seems to have also had his fate decided. So perhaps a new midfielder being brought in would signal the end f the respective Forest careers.