Tag: Nottingham Forest

Premier League club plot record bid for Cunha if they make Champions League

Nottingham Forest are plotting a club record move for Matheus Cunha if they qualify for the Champions League, talkSPORT understands.

Forest made enquiries for Cunha in January but Wolves were adamant they were not prepared to sell.

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Cunha has scored 13 goals in 26 Premier League games for Wolves this seasonCredit: Getty

The Brazilian has since signed a new contract at Molineux with a £62million release clause that kicks in this summer.

Elliott Anderson is currently Forest’s most expensive player ever at £35m.

Nuno Espirito Santo has sensationally guided the Tricky Trees to third place in the Premier League with nine matches remaining.

They are seven points clear of sixth-place Newcastle, with England’s top five clubs set to qualify for next season’s Champions League in the current UEFA co-efficient rankings.

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Wolves, meanwhile, are still looking over their shoulders in 17th place, with nine points separating them from the drop zone.

Their next two matches – against West Ham and relegation rivals Ipswich – could all-but seal survival.

However, star man Cunha will play no part in either fixture after being given an extended four-match ban and a £50,000 fine for violent conduct during the FA Cup defeat at Bournemouth.

The 25-year-old was also banned for two matches and fined £80,000 earlier this season after clashing with Ipswich security staff during their game at Molineux.

Arsenal have expressed an interest in Cunha – with a striker being the Gunners’ top priority this summer amid long-term injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

However, talkSPORT understands manager Mikel Arteta has reservations about the forward’s hot-headed character.

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Cunha has been a revelation for Wolves this season despite his disciplinary issues

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Nottingham Forest and Wolves are competing at opposite ends of the table

In front of goal, Cunha has been crucial to Wolves’ survival bid, scoring 13 times in 26 games and grabbing four assists.

Since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2023, the Brazil international has 27 goals in the top-flight.

Forest, meanwhile, have been inspired by the outstanding form of striker Chris Wood – who is fourth in this season’s Golden Boot race behind Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak.

The 33-year-old has played every match for Forest in the Premier League this campaign, netting 18 times.

Speaking after the most recent 4-2 win over Ipswich, Espirito Santo insisted there is still a long way to go before Forest secure a most unlikely Champions League spot.

“You know what I think about the table,” Nuno said.

“What we have to do is focus on ourselves. Work as much as we can because there is a lot of football to be played yet.”

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March 22, 2025
Chris Wood handed odd booking after scoring a hat-trick and getting subbed off

Chris Wood’s most recent international appearance for New Zealand was marked by both triumph and an unusual booking.

After scoring a hat-trick of headers in a dominant victory, he received a yellow card for signing autographs for fans – a seemingly harmless act that the referee didn’t approve of.

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Wood’s gesture towards the excited fans resulted in a caution from referee

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The referee didn’t approve of Wood’s gesture to the fans

The incident occurred following New Zealand’s emphatic win against Fiji in World Cup qualification.

After being substituted, Wood was seen hopping over the barrier and climbing into the stands to sign autographs for young supporters in their seats.

However, his classy gesture towards the excited fans resulted in a caution from referee Norbert Hauata.

Wood, expressing his surprise, stated, “I was just trying to do something nice and sign for the fans.”

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Head coach Darren Bazeley also weighed in, telling New Zealand media outlet Stuff after the game: “I wasn’t sure what happened there.

“There’s no harm done. It’s a yellow card that doesn’t carry over, so he’ll be fine.”

This peculiar event came amidst Wood’s impressive form for Nottingham Forest.

Notably, he delivered a stunning hat-trick in Forest’s 7-0 demolition of Brighton.

This performance underscored his crucial role in the Forest squad, where he has continued to accumulate vital Premier League goals.

Even Jude Bellingham was impressed with Wood’s performance against Brighton; a Forest fan on X captured Real Madrid‘s star-studded squad walking through the team hotel, with Bellingham one of the last out alongside Thibaut Courtois.

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Wood has become a dominant force when it comes to scoring goals for New Zealand and Nottingham Forest

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Chris Wood has scored 87 goals in the Premier League

Sensing the opportunity, the fan asked: “Jude, what about Chris Wood‘s hat-trick today? Talk to me.”

Bellingham flashed a smile before he turned back to the camera and replied: “Top.”

Wood’s contributions have been pivotal for Nottingham Forest who currently sit comfortably in third place as they look to seal a long-awaited return to Champions League football – a competition Forest won twice under legendary manager Brian Clough.

This strong form led to him signing a new contract with Nottingham Forest that extends his stay at the club until the summer of 2027.

His fine scoring rate also saw the striker crowned the Premier League Player of the Month for October – a first for a Nottingham Forest player.

Looking back at his career, Wood’s journey includes successful stints at Burnley, where he helped them reach the Europa League, and Newcastle before his move to Forest.

His performance has notably surged under head coach Nuno Espírito Santo, with a significant portion of his Forest goals achieved under his management.

Now, before returning to Nottingham Forest, Wood and the New Zealand team are preparing to face New Caledonia. A victory in this upcoming match would secure their place in the 2026 World Cup.

Forest’s next game is away to Brighton – a team that we know Wood loves playing against – in the FA Cup quarter-finals on March 29.

Troy Deeney claims Nuno Espirito Santo should be Manager of the Year if Nottingham Forest qualify for the Champions League

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March 21, 2025
Arsenal set for defensive shake-up vs Forest with decision made over Merino

Mikel Arteta may be in the middle of an attacking injury crisis – but he could be set to name his starting defence for the first time since November.

Arsenal face high-flying Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Wednesday night – live on talkSPORT.

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Arsenal boss Arteta could shuffle up his side for the club’s trip to ForestCredit: AFP

The Gunners are looking for an immediate return to winning ways following their shock 1-0 defeat to West Ham at the Emirates last weekend.

Having failed to cut Liverpool‘s lead down to five points, the north London outfit now trail Arne Slot’s men by 11 points following the Reds’ 2-0 triumph at Manchester City.

Many Gooners now feel as though their title tilt is all-but over – and a defeat to Forest could leave them in a fight for a top four spot.

Just six currently separates Arsenal in second and Forest in third, and with Manchester United and Chelsea on the horizon for Arteta‘s side, they know they can’t afford a second successive loss.

But they know they will be in store for a tough night with the club without their four key forwards in Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Jesus.

Goals from Jesus and Saka at the City Ground last term helped Arsenal claim all three points, while the latter also scored in the 3-0 win over Forest in November.

While the club are undoubtedly light up top, they have been boosted by the return of versatile defender Ben White, who is finally back to full fitness following his knee surgery.

He made his first appearance for the club since the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on November 10 in the defeat to the Hammers.

Waxing lyrical over the England international in his pre-match press conference, Arteta said of White: “He’s a player that has given us something very, very special, especially in that right unit.

“We haven’t played with that right unit at all this season with him, Bukayo and Martin as well – a unit that has played so much football together.

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White has given Arsenal a boost with the defender ready for selectionCredit: Getty

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The Gunners sit 11 points behind leaders Liverpool with a game in hand

“It’s great to have him back, it’s more options and his energy, the way he is around the team and what he generates, he’s certainly been missed.”

White’s return is a boost for Arsenal in more ways than one with the club set to be without left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly due to suspension following his red card.

With a possible defensive shake-up in order, here talkSPORT.com takes a look at how they could start against Forest.

David Raya will continue to deputise between the sticks having established himself as one of the top-flight’s best goalkeepers since joining from Brentford.

White could then return to his right-back role, resulting in Jurrien Timber being shifted off to left-back – ahead of Riccardo Calafiori.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes would then once again be paired in the heart of defence as they look to shut out goal machine Chris Wood.

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Timber could be moved back to left-back should White return to the line-upCredit: Getty

Should White, Saliba, Gabriel and Timber all start, it would be the first time they’d have been in the line-up together since the 1-1 draw at Chelsea.

Timber started off his Arsenal career as a left-back, with seven of his opening nine matches this term coming from the position.

Moving into midfield, and Thomas Partey could once again be deployed in a lone defensive No. 6 role.

This would allow both skipper Martin Odegaard and club-record signing Declan Rice to slot in as No.8s – though the pair know they must start soon chipping with goals with the duo having a combined three strikes in the league so far.

Leandro Trossard will then slot in ahead of Raheem Sterling on the left wing, with Ethan Nwaneri to keep his spot on the right wing after shaking off his cramp issues.

With no fit and available striker, Arteta turned to Mikel Merino against West Ham following his dazzling display off the bench away at Leicester.

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Arsenal’s lack of goals from midfield has been an issue for Arteta

But he failed to replicate his heroics against West Ham, leading to suggestion Arteta could look to try something else.

However, the Spaniard has hinted he will experiment with Merino up top once more when asked whether he feels his compatriot can play as a false nine.

He remarked: “Yes – in relation to the opposition and the options we have, and then what the team generates as well.

“Attacking players depend a lot on what the team is generating, the chemistry, the fluidity, the areas we are hitting, and how we interact with each other.

“It worked really against Leicester, but the other day there were a lot of things missing.”

Martin Keown believes Arsenal fans won’t turn against Mikel Arteta if they fail to win anything over the next few seasons

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February 25, 2025
Premier League midweek fixtures: talkSPORT brings you football bonzana
The Premier League action shows no sign of slowing down, and this week, you can follow EVERY game across the talkSPORT network.

We are straight into gameweek 27 with more midweek matches, and there’s plenty up for grabs as the top-flight approaches the run-in.

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The Premier League is serving us a great season

All 10 midweek fixtures will be on our network, bringing you every goal and all of the action as it happens.

And there are some very juicy ties indeed.

On Wednesday, Tottenham Hotspur welcome Manchester City as Spurs look to do the double over the Premier League champions.

Ange Postecoglou‘s men thrashed Pep Guardiola‘s side 4-0 at the Etihad in late 2024 before enduring a terrible run of form.

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However, with a few players back from injury, Spurs have won their last three league fixtures.

Meanwhile, City have slightly improved in recent weeks, but a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday showed just how far away they are from being back to their best.

Still, they are well in the race for Champions League football, and three points here would be huge.

Elsewhere, Arsenal travel to Nottingham Forest, knowing that the Tricky Trees can move just three points behind them with a win.

The Gunners’ title challenge for this season is all but over after a 1-0 defeat to West Ham at the weekend.

Liverpool then beat City to take an 11-point lead over Mikel Arteta‘s men.

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It has been a season to forget for Guardiola

Of course, Arsenal players will insist the title race isn’t over, but it would require an almighty slip-up from Liverpool for this to even be a possibility now.

Instead, the Gunners just have to ensure they claim Champions League football and second place.

Meanwhile, Forest have lost their last two in the Premier League to Fulham and Newcastle, respectively.

But Nuno Espirito Santo will be encouraged by his team’s comeback at St James’ Park at the weekend, where they came from 4-1 down to narrowly lose 4-3.

Certainly, this won’t be an easy game for Arsenal.

Wednesday night also sees Newcastle United visit Anfield in a dress rehearsal of the Carabao Cup final at Wembley next month.

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Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League are basically goneCredit: AFP

The Reds have one hand on the Premier League trophy now, but Arne Slot will want his side to keep being relentless.

The chance of a treble is there, but the Toon gave Liverpool a very hard game when they met earlier this season.

At St James’ Park, these two served up a thrilling 3-3 draw, and Eddie Howe‘s men will be looking to make a statement ahead of the Carabao Cup final meeting between the two later this month.

On Tuesday, we have Chelsea taking on Southampton, with the Blues looking to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.

There is a south coast derby between Brighton and Bournemouth, which promises to be full of goals.

Wolves are edging away from the relegation places, and they welcome Fulham.

Meanwhile, resurgent Crystal Palace host Aston Villa, with Unai Emery‘s side looking to close the gap on those above them chasing European football.

Wednesday night also sees Manchester United in action against Ipswich Town.

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Slot is closing in the Premier League titleCredit: Getty

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Despite the title race looking to be over, there is plenty still to play for

Micah Richards pinpoints moment he knew Mo Salah would become a superstar

The Red Devils just about salvaged a 2-2 draw against Everton at the weekend, but the performance from Ruben Amorim‘s men was far from convincing.

Certainly, the Tractor Boys will go there feeling they can get something.

And the final game sees Brentford host Everton.

The Bees couldn’t stop winning at home in the first part of the season but are winless in five league matches at the Gtech, while Everton are finding some form under David Moyes.

And on Thursday, Graham Potter will hope to see West Ham build on their brilliant win over Arsenal, while Leicester must bounce back from being thrashed by Brentford.

So, there are plenty of excellent fixtures, and here is how you can follow them all across the talkSPORT network.

Premier League gameweek 27 fixtures

Tuesday, February 24
- 7:30pm: Brighton vs Bournemouth – talkSPORT App exclusive
- 7:30pm: Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa – talkSPORT 2 exclusive
- 7:30pm: Wolves vs Fulham – talk exclusive
- 8:15pm: Chelsea vs Southampton – talkSPORT exclusive
Wednesday, February 25
- 7:30pm: Brentford vs Everton – talkSPORT App exclusive
- 7:30pm: Manchester United vs Ipswich – talkSPORT App exclusive
- 7:30pm: Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal – talkSPORT exclusive
- 7:30pm: Tottenham vs Manchester City – talkSPORT 2 exclusive
- 8:15pm: Liverpool vs Newcastle – talk exclusive (second half on talkSPORT)
Thursday, February 27
- 8:00pm: West Ham vs Leicester – talkSPORT exclusive
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February 24, 2025
Bellingham doesn’t hesitate in giving one-word response to Chris Wood’s heroics

Jude Bellingham was every football fan as the Real Madrid star reacted in awe to Chris Wood’s hat-trick.

The Nottingham Forest striker was in blistering form as he netted three times in the Reds’ 7-0 mauling of Brighton at the City Ground on Saturday.

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Wood had a game to remember against a woeful Brighton

Thanks to his goalscoring exploits, Wood became the first Forest player to score a hat-trick at home since club legend Nigel Clough in December 1987.

Wood bagged his first of the afternoon in the 32nd minute before he struck twice in the space of five minutes during the second half to take his season tally to 17 league goals.

The New Zealand international rightly earned plenty of plaudits for his display, including from Forest icon Stuart Pearce.

“This football club has had some legendary forwards,” Pearce told talkSPORT.

“But that performance this afternoon was wonderful.”

Now Bellingham has added his voice to the chorus of praise for Wood.

A Forest fan on X captured Real Madrid‘s star-studded squad walking through the team hotel, with Bellingham one of the last out alongside Thibaut Courtois.

Sensing the opportunity, the fan asked: “Jude, what about Chris Wood’s hat-trick today? Talk to me.”

Bellingham flashed a smile before he turned back to the camera and replied: “Top.”

Perhaps Bellingham and his Madrid teammates could’ve done with someone of Wood’s ruthlessness in front of goal as they slumped to a shock 1-0 loss to Espanyol.

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Bellingham was left extremely impressed by Wood’s exploitsCredit: @raggs_ on X

Carlos Romero’s strike in the 85th minute proved to be the difference as Los Blancos simply could not find a way past Espanyol goaleekper Joan Garcia – despite firing off 21 shots in total.

Despite the loss to Espanyol, Madrid remain first in LaLiga on 49 points – one point ahead of cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona sit third on the table on 42 points, but have a game in hand, meaning they could close the gap to four points.

In further bad news for Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, he lost star centre-back Antonio Rudiger to injury in the 15th minute.

The German, who already had his hamstrings wrapped going into the game, went down clutching his thigh.

He was replaced by 21-year-old defender Raul Asencio.

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Rudiger’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse timeCredit: Getty

Rudiger’s early exit comes just ten days out from the first leg of their Champions League play-off match against Manchester City.

Both sides failed to finish in the top eight of the league phase, meaning they were forced to play two extra games to book a spot in the round of 16.

It won’t get much easier for the victor, as they will face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the next stage.

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February 1, 2025
Fanatics to launch new Regent Street store ahead of huge new Premier League deal

Fanatics have announced they will be opening their first-ever global flagship store ahead of a stunning new Premier League deal.

The shop will be located on the iconic Regent Street, showcasing the brand to a footfall of around 70 million people when it opens in spring.

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Fanatics will be hosting more events with athletes like Dominic Solanke at their new Regent Street storeCredit: Topps

It marks a big step as Fanatics look to expand further into Europe having dominated America as a $25billion behemoth.

The store, which will showcase the brand’s collectibles which cover UEFA club competitions, including the Champions League, MLB, NBA, WWE, UFC, Formula 1 and more.

Fanatics last year announced that they had beaten Panini to the rights for Premier League trading cards and stickers, which will be made under the Topps brand it bought in 2022.

That deal will begin in June, and their new store in London will allow fans from around the world to enjoy a new interactive community space.

The store will include an a state-of-the-art breaking studio, where creators can open packs and boxes for their audiences, interactive customer education touchpoints, and a personal card creation suite

There will also a central display of the rarest and most-desirable cards, all with a giant suspended circular screen above.

The move comes after Fanatics’ successful collectibles pop-up store in Westfield London.

The space, as well as selling collectibles has hosted events, including a night with Tottenham star Dominic Solanke and Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

The pair known for their love of collectibles opened boxes of Topps products with fans and creators for an unforgettable experience.

And there will be more of the same to come at the Regent Street store.

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The new store will span 803 square meters (8,647 square feet)Credit: Fanatics

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The breakers studio will allow interactive events within the storeCredit: Fanatics

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The Fanatics store will take pride of place on Regent StreetCredit: Fanatics

“We are incredibly excited to cut the ribbon on this amazing community-building retail space, one that we hope will delight collectors and be a true home for the hobby in Europe,” said Topps President of Trading Cards, David Leiner.

“It’ll be a destination for millions of fans as well as our own internal partners – and team and club partners, the latter using our dedicated space to launch and showcase new products in a way that has never been done before.”

While the store will, in the most part target the enormous trading market, there is going to be plenty more to do and buy.

Apparel from Toppsand Fanatics-owned Mitchell & Ness, will be on sale as well as memorabilia, such as signed kits, jerseys, balls and other equipment.

There will also entertainment stock on sale after the recent success of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, Garbage Pail Kids, Stranger Things products.

Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo left stunned after he packs himself in Topps cards

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January 22, 2025
Nkunku wants to join Bayern, West Ham eye Awoniyi, Walker rejects Saudi move

Bowen boost

Graham Potter believes Jarrod Bowen is ahead of schedule in his return from injury at West Ham.

The Hammers captain suffered a fractured foot in their 5-0 defeat to Liverpool at the end of 2024.

There were initial fears that Bowen could sidelined for a lengthy period of time, but there appears to be positivity over his recovery.

On Monday, Potter said: “I think if you speak to Jarrod, he will try to tell you he’s ahead of schedule, for sure.

“He’s doing everything he can to get on the pitch as soon as possible. We just need to make sure it’s in a safe way and it’s [in] a good way for him, because we want to get him back and we want him to stay back.

“But you know Jarrod, he wants to be out there, he wants to play and we’re trying to pull the reins on him rather than the other way around. He’s fantastic to have around the place.”

Potter added: “He’s just champing at the bit and he wants to get out and help. But he just has to take his medicine at the moment and just do his rehab properly.

“He was out jogging today with the individual physio, so it’s positive. I think if I’m looking at it now, Jarrod will be ahead of schedule rather than behind schedule.

“It’s not a rocket scientist prediction, that is it really.”

Credit: AFP

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January 13, 2025
West Ham could raid Premier League rival if chase for France U21 star fails

West Ham are interested in signing Marseille striker Elye Wahi, talkSPORT understands.

Wahi, who only signed for his current club from Lens last summer, is valued at around £25million.

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West Ham are eyeing a move for Wahi this monthCredit: Getty

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Taiwo Awoniyi is another target for the HammersCredit: Getty

The 22-year-old has scored three goals in 14 appearances for the club but made only seven starts in Ligue 1 this season.

West Ham also have Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi on their radar following Niclas Fullkrug’s recent injury.

talkSPORT understands Fullkrug is set to be ruled out for three months with a hamstring injury he sustained in their FA Cup defeat against Aston Villa.

Awoniyi was Forest’s top scorer in their Premier League comeback season in the 2022/23 campaign with ten goals.

However, he has only netted a further seven since, with the striker missing a large chunk of action due to injuries last year.

The 27-year-old has played just 382 minutes under Nuno Espirito Santo this season and made only two Premier League starts.

His first and only goal of the campaign came off the bench in their 3-0 league win away at Wolves last week.

West Ham currently have one fit striker in their squad, with Danny Ings being brought on for Fullkrug in the FA Cup defeat at Villa.

Speaking on the injured German, head coach Graham Potter said on Monday: “It’s fair to say it’s a significant one.

“Anybody watching the game, when a player pulls up like that you know that something fairly serious has happened.

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Hammers boss Potter is on the lookout for a new frontmanCredit: Getty

“So it’s still early in terms of full diagnosis I would suggest, but nevertheless a significant one, a number of weeks.

“Will it be months? A number of weeks probably adds up to months, yes. So yeah, I would say that.”

The Hammers are also without Michail Antonio as he is recovering from a broken leg he sustained in a horror car crash last month.

Club captain Jarrod Bowen is another attacking absence for West Ham with a fractured foot.

West Ham have endured a tough season which saw Julen Lopetegui sacked as manager last week.

They are 14th in the Premier League table, seven points clear of the relegation zone.

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January 13, 2025
Forest boosted by more good news as three star players close in on new deals

Nottingham Forest plan to trigger a one-year contract extension in defender Ola Aina’s contract, talkSPORT understands.

Forest fans can breathe a little easier as the club pushes forward with exciting news regarding three star players.

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Forest are in talks about a new long-term contract for Aina.Credit: Getty

The high-flying Tricky Trees are also in advanced conversations with their top scorer Chris Wood and influential defender Murillo.

Both players are keen to commit their futures to the club.

With Aina’s current deal set to expire at the end of the season, the club is engaged in discussions about securing a long-term contract for him.

His contract situation hasn’t gone unnoticed, drawing the attention of football giants like Manchester City.

City supposedly see him as a potential successor to the struggling Kyle Walker.

European clubs have also flagged their interest, including AS Roma.

Aina has started all 20 of Forest’s league matches this season and is undoubtedly in the midst of some of the best form of his career, playing a vital role in propelling the team to third place in the Premier League.

He is a player that both the club and its supporters are determined to keep.

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo has vowed to maintain squad stability during the January transfer window.

Despite the uncertainties surrounding Aina’s future, showcasing his dedication to the team’s success.

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Wood has scored 12 goals in 20 game so far this season.Credit: Getty

Having joined Forest in the summer of 2023 after parting ways with Torino, Aina made an immediate impact.

He scored his first goal for the club during a triumphant 2–0 win over Aston Villa at the City Ground.

The club and the fans will be hoping he is at the club for the foreseeable given his undoubted impact.

Wood made his way to Forest in January 2023 after limited first-team opportunities at Newcastle.

He initially joined on loan until the season’s end, but his performances soon earned him a permanent move in June for a reported £15 million.

His remarkable contribution included a stunning hat-trick on Boxing Day in a 3–1 away victory against Newcastle United.

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Murillo was Forest’s 2023-24 player of the season.Credit: Rex

Marking him as just the fourth player in Premier League history to achieve such a feat against his former club, alongside the likes of Andy Cole.

In the 2023-24 season, Wood emerged as Nottingham Forest’s top goalscorer, netting 15 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions.

He also he made history by becoming the club’s leading goalscorer in the Premier League in December 2024.

Eclipsing Bryan Roy with the decisive goal in a thrilling 3–2 win over Manchester United. This milestone was particularly sweet, securing Forest’s first victory at Old Trafford since 1994.

Murillo, who joined Forest with high hopes in August 2023 on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee that was reported as €12 million plus potential add-ons, has quickly become a cornerstone of the team, earning the title of Forest’s 2023-24 player of the season.

As Aina, Wood, and Murillo continue to shine, securing new contracts for all three would undoubtedly serve as a tremendous boost for the squad and manager.

Nottingham Forest fan believes his side could be DARK HORSES for the Premier League title

With Forest riding high, having won their last five matches, they find themselves just behind Arsenal on goal difference.

The Trick Trees play Luton Town on Saturday 11 January in the FA Cup third round.

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January 9, 2025
Premier League release statement after ball strikes Wolves man’s arm

Nottingham Forest were denied a penalty against Wolverhampton Wanderers after the ball struck Rayan Ait-Nouri’s arm in the box.

Ola Aina sent in a chipped cross which hit Ait-Nouri’s hand, although no penalty was awarded to the visitors, who were already leading 1-0 at Molineux.

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The ball clearly struck Ait-Nouri on the arm, but the referee, not VAR awarded a penaltyCredit: Sky Sports

Aina was amongst the Forest players who ran over appealing to referee Peter Bankes, who deemed it not a penalty.

The Premier League Match Centre posted on X shortly after the incident to confirm that it was ‘checked and confirmed by VAR’.

“The referee’s call of no penalty for a potential handball by Ait-Nouri was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed his arm was in a natural position” it wrote on X.

It didn’t affect Forest too much in their bid to solidify their place in the top four with Nuno Espirito Santo‘s men going 2-0 up at half time.

Morgan Gibbs-White struck seven minutes in with an excellently worked run from inside Forest’s own half to the penalty box.

Before reaching striking distance, Gibbs-White laid off the pass to Anthony Elanga who squared it back for the former Wolves man to slot home and open the scoring.

Gibbs-White will have been looking to impress England boss Thomas Tuchel, who was pictured in the stands at the Molineux.

Just before the break, Chris Wood notched his 12th goal of the Premier League season to his tally, doubling his side’s lead over Wolves.

It was another well-worked move from the visitors who pounced on the counter attack as Callum Hudson-Odoi sent a cut-back pass into the feet of Wood to send it into the net.

A win for Nottingham Forest will see them go second in the league table, level on points with title chasers Arsenal.

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Chris Wood scored his 12th goal of the season to double his side’s leadCredit: Getty

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England head coach Tuchel was at the Wolves v Nottingham Forest gameCredit: Getty

For Wolves, a defeat at home would end new manager Vitor Pereira’s unbeaten run, having won two and drawn one game in charge so far.

Espirito Santo’s side next face Luton Town in the third round of the FA Cup before a difficult home clash with Liverpool.

They will feel confident however, having been the only side to defeat the leaders this season with a 1-0 victory at Anfield in September.

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January 6, 2025