Nottingham Forest have endured a superb upturn in form under Sean Dyche over the last few weeks after the manager took the reins from Ange Postecoglou.
The Englishman has reinstalled a defensive solidity back into the first-team squad, as seen by the club’s recent upturn in form in the Premier League.
His side have only lost twice in his eight games in the role, with his Red managing to keep four clean sheets in the process – including one against Liverpool at Anfield.
The Reds may have lost 2-0 to Brighton and Hove Albion over the weekend, but it’s merely a bump in the road, especially considering the excellent results since his arrival.
However, with the January transfer window rapidly approaching, numerous players have already appeared on their radar to try and bolster the ranks for the remainder of the campaign.
Forest’s hunt for new additions in the January window
In recent weeks, a whole host of players have been touted with a move to join Forest, but Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood stands out as one of the most consistent players touted with a transfer.
It was reported that Dyche’s side saw the 20-year-old as their primary target for the winter window, but it was unclear about how much a deal would set Evangelos Marinakis back.
However, it seems as though the youngster won’t be departing the AMEX this window, with Fabian Hurzeler’s men not entertaining any offers for his signature.
He’s not the only player currently being considered by the Reds at present, with Inter Milan star Stefan de Vrij another player currently being considered by the club at present.
According to Football Insider, Dyche’s side are keen on a move to land the Dutch international, with the player having just six months left on his deal at the San Siro.
They also state that the board are in the market for added defensive reinforcements in the winter window, which could make the 33-year-old the perfect target.
Why Forest’s latest target would be Milenkovic 2.0
Signing centre-backs from Serie A hasn’t been alien to Forest over recent seasons, with Nikola Milenkovic joining the club from Fiorentina in the summer of 2024.
The Serbian international joined for just £12m, with such a deal being one of the best deals in the club’s history – as seen by his immediate impact in the Premier League last campaign.
He featured in all but one game last campaign, even scoring five times and registering two assists – showcasing his impressive ability at both ends of the pitch.
The 28-year-old managed to win the club’s Player of the Season award in 2024/25, helping the Reds secure European football for the first time in 30 years.
This campaign, he’s still managed to be a key component in the side’s backline, featuring in every minute of the league season and offering the defensive solidity needed in Dyche’s system.
He’s often partnered Murillo at the heart of the defence, but Morato covered his compatriot against the Seagulls at the weekend – even producing a huge mistake which contributed to the defeat.
Such a scenario has no doubt led to rumours over a move for De Vrij in the coming months, which could see a repeat of the deal that saw Milenkovic move to the East Midlands.
The Dutchman, who earns £118k-per-week, has only made two appearances so far this campaign, but he has produced some remarkable stats which could see him thrive in the Premier League.
De Vrij, who’s been dubbed “sensational” by journalist Nima Roodsari, has completed 94% of the passes he’s completed, whilst also completing 100% of the dribbles he’s attempted.
Games played
2
Minutes played
180
Pass accuracy
94%
Dribble success
100%
Tackles made
2
Duels won
5.5
Aerials won
3.5
Aerial success
60%
Such numbers reflect the centre-back’s talent with the ball at his feet – something which is extremely important within the current philosophy at the City Ground.
Without the ball, he’s been just as impressive in Italy’s top division, as seen by his tally of two tackles and 5.5 duels won per 90 for Cristian Chivu’s Inter Milan squad.
Other numbers, such as 3.5 aerials won per 90, subsequently achieving a success rate of 60%, showcase his dominance out of possession – matching Milenkovic’s talents in the Premier League in recent years.
It’s unclear how much a deal for the Dutchman would cost in the upcoming window, but he certainly could offer an experienced and immediate option at the back.
Should he reach the levels produced by Milenkovic in Nottingham, there’s no reason why De Vrij could make himself a fan-favourite in the hunt for European success come the end of the campaign.
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