Forest's deadline plans
Nottingham Forest are putting the finishing touches to their squad ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline, with head coach Oliver Glasner seeking two more additions: a striker and a right-back. As the final week of the window opens, the club are reportedly closing in on Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado, with reports from TEAMtalk suggesting Forest are "leading the race" for the 22-year-old's signature.
Casado has been linked with Forest earlier in the window, and that interest has now re-emerged. According to Sport Witness, Forest previously had a bid rejected, but they are now seen as the most serious contender to secure the Spanish midfielder, as reported by Sports Mole.
A player in search of game time
Casado has slipped down the pecking order at Barcelona under head coach Hansi Flick. The midfielder started just 10 matches last season, and his prospects for a more prominent role have not improved. A symbolic sign of his reduced standing came when the squad number he previously wore, 17, was handed to summer signing Anthony Gordon, 25.
Casado has reportedly become convinced that he needs more regular playing time to continue his development. Barcelona are not actively pushing the academy graduate out, but they have given him permission to seek a new challenge, as detailed by Sports Mole.
The player's primary motivation is finding a club where he can fight for a regular starting spot. Earlier in the summer, interest from City Football Group and BlueCo was explored, but both options included potential loan moves to clubs within their networks. Casado was concerned that such arrangements would simply trade his uncertain position at Barcelona for a similar situation elsewhere, so neither plan convinced him.
Competition for his signature
Forest are not alone in their pursuit. Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Brighton and Sunderland have also been informed of Casado's availability, according to TEAMtalk. Manchester United have dropped out of the running after reaching an agreement to sign Carlos Baleba, as reported by Sports Mole.
Benfica, AC Milan, and an unnamed Turkish club have also been credited with interest, according to Sport Witness. Saudi Arabian sides Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli have reportedly put forward offers in the region of €40 million (£34m), but Casado is said to prioritise staying in Europe and regular football over other factors, with the Saudi option not currently appealing to him.
Barcelona are reportedly seeking at least €30 million (£25m) for the midfielder, who is under contract until 2028. The fee appears to be within reach for Forest, who have already made significant additions this summer, including the signing of Xaver Schlager. Glasner had previously indicated that the midfielder search was backburnered after James McAtee's pre-season role, but the Casado link suggests that position may have changed.
A potential 'new Erling Haaland' on the radar
Beyond Casado, Forest are also targeting 18-year-old Nigerian striker Abdoulaye Agbejoye, who has been compared to Erling Haaland. The teenager currently plays for academy side Grassrunners in Nigeria, with Soccernet reporting that he is tipped to make a move to Europe in the near future.
Forest are reportedly set to go head to head with Bayer Leverkusen to sign Agbejoye and are considered the "frontrunners" for his signature. If the move materialises, he could be placed on loan or in the academy setup to continue his development, according to the Nottingham Post.
Window ahead
As the September 1 deadline approaches, Forest's transfer activity is intensifying. With Glasner clear about his desire for a striker and a right-back, Casado's arrival would address the midfield, while Agbejoye represents a long-term investment. The coming days will determine whether Forest can secure these targets, but the signs point to a busy end to the window at the City Ground.