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Nottingham Forest’s 2-1 win against West Ham United last night was arguably one of the most crucial results in the 2025/26 Premier League campaign to date.

Sean Dyche’s side came from behind after the break for the first time since promotion, subsequently building a seven-point gap to the Hammers.

However, it was a far from convincing display from the Reds, subsequently highlighting the need for investment across the squad before the end of the summer window.

Despite netting twice, none of the goals scored were from open play, with Dyche’s men having to rely on a looping header from Nicolas Dominguez and a penalty from Morgan Gibbs-White.

The attacking department is in dire need of investment in the coming weeks, which has led the recruitment team to identify numerous potential options to help bolster the first-team ranks.

Nottingham Forest in talks to land European powerhouse

Over recent days, Forest have made their intentions clear that they want to land a new centre-forward before the end of the winter, subsequently leading to rumours over a move for Jorgen Strand Larsen.

The Norwegian international, who currently plays for Wolves, has struggled for consistent form in the Premier League this campaign, as seen by his tally of just one goal in 18 appearances.

However, Rob Edwards’ side are still demanding a fee in the region of £40m for the 25-year-old this window, with Everton and Newcastle United two other sides keen to land his signature.

Strand Larsen isn’t the only forward currently in the hierarchy’s sight at present, with Napoli star Lorenzo Lucca another player being pursued to improve the number nine situation.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Reds have reached out to the Serie A outfit in recent hours to see if a deal can be agreed for the Italian international.

The report states that a deal could be tricky to complete at present, with the 25-year-old currently on loan in Naples, with a deal set to be made permanent in the summer.

However, after just 40 minutes of action since the start of November, a break in the deal could be agreed, which could see the 6’7 striker move to the City Ground.

Why Lucca would be Forest’s best striker since Wood

The striker situation at Forest is certainly an alarming one at present, but all the issues have become apparent after the injury suffered to talisman Chris Wood.

The New Zealand international catapulted the Reds to European football for the first time in a generation last season, after netting 20 league goals and breaking the club’s all-time Premier League goalscoring record.

He was even handed a new two-year contract to reflect his importance to the side, but it’s safe to say his 2025/26 campaign has been a disaster to date.

Wood scored twice on the opening day against Brentford, but has only managed seven appearances since, with his last appearance coming back in mid-October.

As a result, Dyche has been forced to use alternative options, with Igor Jesus the man he’s turned to lead the line since his arrival three months ago.

The Brazilian has only netted one league goal in 2025/26 and is currently on an eight-goal scoreless run – showcasing the lack of goals currently available in the squad.

As for Taiwo Awoniyi, it’s evident he’s no longer the man to provide the goods in the Premier League, with the Nigerian enduring an even longer drought than his teammate.

His last top-flight strike came against Wolves in January 2025, with his last effort coming 12 months ago, a run of 28 matches without a league goal.

Arnaud Kalimuendo was one of the marquee signings in the summer, as he joined in a £26m deal from Rennes after netting 18 times across all competitions last campaign.

However, he’s been restricted to just 89 league minutes, scoring twice in the Europa League, but he now looks set to join German side Eintracht Frankfurt on loan for the rest of the season.

Such reasons have led the Reds to a potential move for Lucca, but it appears as though such a deal isn’t a popular one with the fanbase – based on his visible numbers.

The 25-year-old has only scored one goal in 14 league outings this campaign, but it’s safe to say such a figure doesn’t tell the whole story about his talents.

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The Italian netted 14 goals in just 36 appearances for Udinese in 2024/25, a tally which earned him his subsequent move to Napoli during the recent summer window.

However, despite his disappointing return this season, his underlying figures showcase the talent he possesses, with many of which handing Dyche the striker he’s missed in Wood’s absence.

Lucca, who’s been dubbed a “clinical finisher” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has posted a 39% shot on target rate in Serie A this season – a tally higher than any of the aforementioned strikers.

Lorenzo Lucca – Serie A stats (2025/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

14

Goals scored

1

Shot on target accuracy

39%

Pass accuracy

80%

Key passes

0.8

Take-on success

67%

Carries into opposition box

0.9

Aerials won

47%

Fouls won

2.7

Stats via FBref

He’s also completed 80% of the passes he’s attempted, whilst notching 0.8 key passes per 90 – subsequently having the tools to provide a superb link-up option between the midfield and frontline.

Despite his huge frame, the Napoli star has still managed to complete 67% of the take-ons he’s attempted to date, which could make him a real handful for the opposition.

However, his greatest asset is his aerial ability with his 47% success rate in the air handing the manager the focal point he’s craved in recent weeks.

Whilst a deal for Lucca may not be a popular one at present, there’s no denying there is a player in there – as seen with his incredible goalscoring tally last campaign.

If he can replicate such numbers in the East Midlands, along with his underlying stats from 2025/26, there’s no reason why he can’t be the man to secure survival for Forest come the end of May.

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Arsenal have submitted a £52 million bid to sign a Real Madrid star and have even offered him a ‘leading role’ in the side, according to a new report.

Arteta vows to consider January signings for Arsenal

While sporting director Andrea Berta splashed around £270 million on eight major signings for the Gunners last summer, Mikel Arteta has still strongly suggested that they could be active this month.

The Spaniard, after coping with a lot of injuries again this term, has consistently found himself short of options in key areas and has therefore refused to rule out business mid-season.

Surprise claims from the last week have revealed that Berta and co may well raid the Bernabeu for fresh talent, no matter how unattainable they seem right now.

CaughtOffside reported before the New Year that Arsenal still hold an interest in Real playmaker Arda Güler, who they view as an “Odegarrd-style” signing on a potential loan-to-buy deal.

However, given the Turkey international has now established himself as a mainstay player under Xabi Alonso, it is highly unlikely Florentino Perez would green-light such a move.

A far more likely Real player to be available this month is Rodrygo, following numerous reports that the Brazil international could depart Madrid in search of more game time.

The 24-year-old, who Arsenal held talks over signing last May, was starting to play more regularly before the Christmas La Liga break – racking up a brace against Sevilla and a goal against Alaves just before their holiday.

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However, he’s still been in and out of the side far more likely than he’d have hoped, with media sources claiming that Rodrygo is desperate to leave Madrid and Arsenal are ‘most likely’ to sign him.

Now, a fresh update has provided some more key information on the Gunners’ interest.

Arsenal submit £52 million bid to sign Real Madrid star Rodrygo

According to a report from Spain, Arsenal have emerged as serious contenders to land Rodrygo after matching a £52 million offer from Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal for his signature.

Arteta’s side apparently view him as the missing piece in their team, offering him a ‘leading role’ and the opportunity to spearhead their attack.

Madrid have apparently received identical proposals worth approximately £52m from both suitors, forcing Perez to seriously consider selling a player who has slipped down the pecking order.

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Arteta has identified the versatile attacker as someone capable of operating across both flanks while providing a genuine goal threat, with Rodrygo guaranteed playing time and the chance to remain competing at European football’s highest level.

Al-Hilal’s proposal includes substantially superior wages alongside their transfer fee, creating a serious financial temptation for Rodrygo’s representatives.

The final decision will largely depend on Rodrygo’s personal preference, according to this report, but he isn’t expected to make a call on this until the summer window, so a January transfer is seen as unlikely at this stage.

The £280,000-per-week winger bagged 14 goals and 11 assists for Real last term, with Jude Bellingham notably calling him their most ‘gifted’ and ‘underrated’ player.

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Andrew Flintoff will join up with the England Lions squad in India on February 10 as he continues his rehabilitation following September’s operation on his troublesome ankle. He will, however, play no part in the Duleep Trophy competition that got underway this week.Flintoff was due to fly out to Mumbai in mid-February for a pre-season batting clinic with a Lancashire CCC academy squad, but he will now first travel to Baroda to meet up with the England Lions where he’ll have the opportunity to work with the ECB’s coaching and support staff.Commenting on the news, David Parsons, the ECB Performance Director and head coach of the squad said: “We’re delighted that Andrew Flintoff is in a position to join up with the England Lions.”His rehabilitation programme is going very well and he’s been working extremely hard over the past few months to get back to full fitness. This trip will provide him with an excellent opportunity to receive support from the ECB’s coaching and science and medicine support staff.”

The ICC has told Cricinfo that it has not asked the Pakistan team management to avoid holding press conferences in Urdu during the World Cup.It was announced yesterday that the Pakistan players would only answer questions in Urdu so as to avoid any ambiguity in the answers given, and subsequently it was reported the ICC had requested them to speak English to avoid media conferences being excessively drawn out.”At no point did the ICC say it cannot allow the Pakistan team management to hold press conferences in Urdu,” an ICC spokesman told Cricinfo. “The ICC doesn’t tell the participating teams in which language they have to speak. The issue of Pakistan players speaking in Urdu was discussed with the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Naseem Ashraf in Kingston earlier this week and he agreed with the ICC that for all media events happening inside the playing field players will speak in English, while for all media events outside the playing field, Pakistan players will talk in Urdu.”

Younis Khan was full of praise for Abdul Razzaq and Kamran Akmal © Getty Images

On a pitch which saw Pakistan score 599 in their second innings and one on which India were bundled out in less than 60 overs in both innings, Younis Khan said the varied nature of the Pakistan attack made a crucial difference in Pakistan’s comprehensive 341-run win inside four days.”The Indian and Pakistan teams are similar in look. We had the edge in this Test because India had three left arm seam bowlers while we had more variety and mix. Shoaib Akhar’s presence in any team is a big boost and the others all bowled really well,” said Younis, who was standing in for the injured Inzamam-ul-Haq as Pakistan captain.A phenomenal first hour apart, India’s attack lacked bite, particularly in the second innings. Mohammad Asif and Abdul Razzaq shared 14 wickets between them and the former in particular, exploited every last bit of help from the pitch and the new ball. Backed up by several short, speedy bursts from Shoaib Akhtar, they managed to overcome the absence of another seamer, rarely allowing the Indian batsmen to settle.But Younis also highlighted two other factors; a little bit of good fortune as well as the grit that has come to mark this Pakistan side. “A lot went in our favour in this game which could have gone either way. It was probably a good toss to lose in the end but anything could have happened after 39-6. We could have been bowled out for 100 and that would have changed the game.”But Akmal and the others rose to the occasion. Maybe the early wickets we got in India’s second innings also helped us win the Test. We may have got them out in four hours in the end, but it was not as easy as it seemed. We had the better luck.”The timing of Pakistan’s declaration – they eventually did so an hour into the morning session -was the subject of considerable speculation overnight. Although it became a moot point as India were bowled out 25 minutes before the scheduled close of play, Younis said much thought had been given to the question. “I discussed it with Inzamam overnight. There was some talk about giving them a full 180 overs to bat. But then we thought with their batting and people like Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag and the rest, we should set a target of over 600 runs. Until yesterday the wicket looked a bit casual so we thought about the time needed. But today our bowlers bowled better.”Younis also highlighted the contribution of Abdul Razzaq, whose inclusion in Faisalabad had been criticised for being a defensive selection. Razzaq scored a calming 45 in the first innings, where his 115-run partnership with Akmal formed the backbone of Pakistan’s fightback. As well as scoring a 90 second time round, Razzaq ended with seven wickets, some of them – like Sachin Tendulkar’s in the first – crucial.”Razzaq gave an outstanding performance and has answered his critics who were questioning his presence in the team. He scored runs for us, crucial ones in the first innings and took wickets at regular intervals.”

Nicky Boje set to be the 31st captain for South Africa© Getty Images

Nicky Boje could lead the South African one-day side against Zimbabwe, in a bid to provide much-needed rest to Graeme Smith before the start of the Test series. According to the Haroon Lorgat, acting convener of the national selectors, Smith along with Jacques Kallis will benefit from the rest period.Lorgat said to news24 website that Smith was still experiencing foot problems which he suffered in India on their last tour, when a taxi driver drove over it. Smith would be receiving treatment before the start of the two Tests.South Africa play Zimbabwe in three one-day internationals beginning on February 25 at Johannesburg. South Africa are set to leave for the West Indies on March 23 for a tour of nearly two months.Boje, 31, said that it would be an honour to captain the national side and he had discussed matters regularly with Smith and would also seek advice from Shaun Pollock, the former captain. If given a chance, Boje would become the 31st captain to lead the side.Apart from this, South Africa has named a full-strength squad to take on the Zimbabweans.

When Australia’s bowlers came out, you could tell that the plan wasto bowl a good length, just outside off stump, and allow the ball to do therest. In comparison India stuck to a line just outside off but banged the ball in short a lot more. Nothing wrong with that, except that India didn’thave the pace for it, and were guilty of overdoing things. What’smore, they did not mix up their deliveries.The Australians slipped in short balls every now and then, keeping the batsmen on the back foot. This pattern was usually followed by a delivery that invited the batsmen to drive on the front foot. It worked like a charm – Andy Bichel dismissed the openers, and Sachin Tendulkar, as a result of unsure footwork.

	Aus bowlers	Indbowlers
Goodlength	159	461
Shortof a good length	84	169
Short	33	60
Half-volley	28	166
Yorker	2	7

That shifty manAndy Bichel, holding on to his place in the side by a thread, wasknocked around early in India’s innings. Then, he discovered the seam.Getting the ball to shift off the wicket, outside the off stump, he made thebatsmen play, miss, prod, and then get out. Akash Chopra mishit aseaming delivery straight back to Bichel, while legcutters took care ofSehwag and Tendulkar.

Overs	12
Runs	55
Wickets	3
Pitchedjust outside off stump	67
Ona good length	41
Shortballs	8
Offcutter	7
Legcutter	6

Seven years for a five-forAnil Kumble had cause to celebrate. This was his first overseas fivewicket haul after as many as seven years. The last one came long, longago, in 1996-97, when Tendulkar was captain. After toiling away on the first day, Kumble mixed up his deliveries frequently on the second morning, making it difficult for the batsmen to score off him.

	2ndday	1stday
Overs	15	28
Runs	39	115
Wickets	4	1
Legbreak	72	146
Topspinner	2	6
Googly	9	12
Flipper	8	4

The rusty run machineSachin Tendulkar’s dismissal for 1 brought to light a prolonged lossof Test form. In his last 10 innings, he has reached double figures onlythree times, of which two were half-centuries. The substandard pitchesin New Zealand notwithstanding, it is still a poor showing for a manwho averages a century every six innings.

Opponent

Venue

Tendulkar

Team total

New Zealand – 1stTest

Wellington

8 &51

161 &121

New Zealand – 2ndTest

Hamilton

9 &32

99 &154

New Zealand – 1stTest

Ahmedabad

8 & 7

500-5 &209-6

New Zealand – 2ndTest

Chandigarh

55 &1

424 &136-4

Australia – 1stTest

Brisbane

0

409

Two members of New Zealand’s World Cup-winning women’s team have been dropped for the second leg of the home and away series with Australia.Helen Watson has been replaced by 18-year-old fast bowler Louise Milliken and Anna O’Leary has missed out with the squad being reduced from 13 to 12 for home matches.The home leg of the series begins at Bert Sutcliffe Oval at Lincoln on Saturday.Milliken will be making her international debut and great interest will be taken in her play as she is a bowler only a little slower than great Australian fast bowler Cathryn Fitzpatrick, who has had bowling measured at 125kph.Identified early by New Zealand Cricket, Milliken was a member of the CLEAR White Ferns winter training squad in 2001 and in the New Zealand A team that played the Australian Youth side in Australia earlier this month.Though only 18 and in only her first year out of Waikato’s Morrinsville High School, she already has three seasons of State League cricket behind her, representing State Northern Spirit. She is about to enter the New Zealand Cricket Academy at Lincoln as one of four women selected for the 2002 residential intake.The convener of the women’s selection panel, Lesley Murdoch: “It was a difficult decision for the selectors to dispense with the experience of Watson and O’Leary, but with New Zealand 3-0 down after the Australian leg of the Rosebowl we really had no option but to put our most competitive, in-form side on the park for the crucial matches this weekend.”Murdoch added: “Louise is an exciting prospect for the future and she will undoubtedly gain from this exposure to top flight competition. From a selectors’ point of view, it’s also encouraging to know that currently we have more options to choose from than we have sometimes had in the past.”The full team is: Emily Drumm (captain), Kathryn Ramel (vice-captain), Nicola Browne, Anna Corbin, Paula Flannery, Frances King, Aimee Mason, Louise Milliken, Nicola Payne, Rachel Pullar, Rebecca Rolls, Haidee Tiffen.

The Nashua Titans coach, Dave Nosworthy, is energised after a well deserved break and is planning an early start to the forthcoming season selecting the following off-season training squad to commence practice on Monday, 28th May 2001 at 14h00 at SuperSport Park.Players currently in South AfricaGerald Dros, Finley Brooker, Allahudien Palaker, Steve Elworthy, Rudi Steyn, Victor Faul, Nigel Brouwers, Aldin Smith, Tetaan Henning, Johann Botha, Pieter van Rooyen, Gary Hampson, Craig Parker, Nick van Woerkom, Dale Nation, M.P. Ferreira, Charl Victor, Raymond Magardie, Maurice Arenstam, Mulligan George, Shafiek Abrahams, Rudi Bryson, Ian Kuiler, Neil McKenzie & Robert van Wyk.Players OverseasDavid Townsend, Martin van Jaarsveld, Pierre Joubert, Jacques Rudolph, Greg Smith, Quentin Still & Dirkie de Vos.Players attending the National AcademyJohann Myburgh, Kruger van Wyk & Dewald Senekal.Players attending the Northerns AcademyRuper Bailey, Friddel de Wet & Alviro Peterson.IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE
The final Nashua Titans Squad, ‘B’ XI Squad and Colts Squad will be selected and finalised before the end of August 2001. The above squads can at any time be adjusted and altered as they are very flexible squads.

Aston Villa are now looking at signing a Tottenham star in January after reaching a pre-agreed deal for another player, according to one report today.

Aston Villa plan for January amid Premier League title race

The Midlands outfit find themselves in unprecedented territory this festive period — four points off Man City at the summit, nine consecutive wins across all competitions and a Premier League title charge nobody saw coming.

Unai Emery refuses to entertain talk of silverware publicly, but the numbers tell their own story.

Villa’s current form represents their finest run since 1919, and while they haven’t won a league title since 1981, or claimed any major silverware for three decades, here they sit, third in the table, four points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea.

The transformation has been nothing short of remarkable.

After five winless games to start the campaign and a barren run in front of goal, Villa languished in the relegation zone, but fast-forward to December, and they’ve beaten both Arsenal and Man City at home, becoming the first team to rack up 2.1 expected goals against the Gunners all season.

Behind the scenes at Villa Park, January planning is also in full swing.

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Emery’s recruitment team are working overtime to strengthen a squad suddenly competing at English football’s pinnacle, according to Fabrizio Romano, as they look to balance the demands of a title race with Europa League commitments that continue deep into spring.

Villa have already secured Brazilian teenager Alysson from Gremio in a deal worth £8.7m initially, rising to £10.5m with performance-related add-ons.

The 19-year-old winger represents exactly the profile Emery covets – young, hungry, adaptable. Gremio retain a 10 per cent sell-on clause, with formalities expected to be completed early in the transfer window.

That is according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who has also shared Villa’s interest in a deal for Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson.

Aston Villa looking at signing Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson

As per Bailey, writing for TEAMtalk, Villa have entered the race for Johnson ahead of January.

The Wales forward has fallen out of favour under Thomas Frank in north London, with Mohammed Kudus’ arrival in the summer relegating him to a bit-part role.

Johnson scored their Europa League-winning goal in May and bagged 18 goals in all competitions last season, finishing 2024/2025 as their top scorer.

James Maddison also called his teammate a ‘relentless’ player in the final third.

Subscribe to our newsletter for transfer insight Discover richer context: subscribe to the newsletter for deeper transfer insight, clear analysis of Aston Villa’s recruitment strategy and how potential moves could shape their title challenge. Get expert breakdowns and informed perspectives. Subscribe Subscribe to our newsletter for transfer insight Discover richer context: subscribe to the newsletter for deeper transfer insight, clear analysis of Aston Villa’s recruitment strategy and how potential moves could shape their title challenge. Get expert breakdowns and informed perspectives.

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However, he’s managed just six Premier League starts this term, accumulating barely 900 minutes of action. The 24-year-old finds himself on the fringes of Frank’s plans, so a January exit is very possible.

Villa are looking at signing Johnson next month after their pre-agreed deal for Alysson, but Crystal Palace remain favourites for his signature, with sources suggesting Johnson is “receptive” to a move across London seeking regular football ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

That being said, Villa represents an altogether different proposition — European football, a genuine title challenge and the opportunity to work under one of Spain’s most tactically astute managers.

Taking this into account, we surely can’t discount Emery’s side in the race just yet.

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