Nottingham Forest decides Awoniyi's fate this month ... Concludes on Emmanuel Dennis' sale

Nottingham Forest decides Awoniyi's fate this month
... Concludes on Emmanuel Dennis' sale

Nottingham Forest has a tough decision to make on Nigeria international, Taiwo Awoniyi.

The first half of the Premier League season could hardly have gone any better for Forest and now focus shifts to the second half of the campaign.

As well as aiming to maintain their fine form on the pitch, the Reds also have an important transfer window to navigate this month.

There is no need for an overhaul of Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad, so making any tweaks while avoiding disrupting the foundations already in place is the goal.

Nottingham Forest make transfer decision on 17-goal forward, Awoniyi as January window begins.

It could be a relatively quiet window at the City Ground but Forest still have some key tasks to tick off.

The Reds have one area of the pitch clearly in need of attention and that is up front. Nuno could do with his attacking resources strengthened, especially as it has been tough going for Taiwo Awoniyi so far.

A number of forwards have been linked, but finding the right one is key for Forest. The team had several targets in the summer but did not manage to get a deal over the line - albeit the club’s refusal to spend for the sake of it could be considered smart business.

January is a difficult window at the best of times, and even more so when it comes to trying to sign a striker. Selling clubs hold the cards in the winter window and they know they can bump the prices up.

Linked to Forest’s striker search is a decision on Awoniyi. The Daily Mail have reported the Reds could listen to offers for the Nigerian, if they are able to strengthen up front.

Awoniyi is yet to get going this season, but that would still be a big call to make regardless of whether a new forward comes in or not.

The Reds need to ensure they have sufficient options at the top end of the pitch to maintain their challenge at the top end of the table.

If Awoniyi stays put, the challenge for head coach Nuno is to get him firing again. After all, the 27-year-old has already shown what he is capable of in the Premier League.

Getting Awoniyi back to his best will not be easy, though. It is difficult to find form when coming on for just a few minutes from off the bench.

Arguably as big a priority for the Reds as sanctioning any ins or outs this month is to get two of their key men tied down. They need to get new contracts signed and sealed for Chris Wood and Ola Aina.

Both are in the final six months of their current deals and are now able to negotiate with foreign clubs. Forest are said to be confident the pair will put pen to paper, but getting them to do so ASAP is a must.

Forest will look to find a move for attacker Emmanuel Dennis. He was left out of the 25-man squad for the first half of the Premier League campaign and a departure would suit all parties.