Nottingham Forest contact ‘tremendous’ Premier League player over January move
Nottingham Forest’s season took a worrying turn recently after the devastating news that Chris Wood faces further months on the sidelines.
The New Zealand international underwent knee surgery over the Christmas period and his lengthy absence has forced Sean Dyche into immediate action in the January transfer window.
Wood’s injury could not have come at a worse time for Forest, even if they’ve just put serious ground between them and the bottom three with a stunning 2-1 win at West Ham.
The 34-year-old was the club’s top scorer last season with 20 Premier League goals and provided the perfect focal point for Dyche’s direct style of play, but he is yet to feature under him.
Wood’s physical presence and ability to hold up play created space for attacking midfielders Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga to exploit.
Without Wood, Forest’s attacking options look alarmingly thin. Dyche has been left relying on Igor Jesus and Arnaud Kalimuendo, but the latter could be heading for the exit door with Eintracht Frankfurt still closing in on a loan deal.
Forest were reportedly not planning significant January business before Wood’s injury forced their hand.
The club had stabilized under Dyche following Ange Postecoglou’s brief and unsuccessful spell in charge earlier in the season. However, the loss of their main goal threat has transformed the window from optional to essential, with recruitment now viewed as a risk assessment rather than a luxury.
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As such, the City Ground hierarchy moved quickly to identify potential replacements for Wood.
Nottingham Forest approach Jorgen Strand Larsen over January move
Indeed, according to a report from Pete O’Rourke on X in the last hour, Forest have sounded out Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen over a potential move this month.
As well as this, while the Premier League’s bottom side aren’t exactly itching to do a deal, they are in fact open to selling for the right offer.
The Old Gold striker seems to have emerged as Forest’s number one target to solve their attacking crisis.
Dyche requires a specific profile up front and Strand Larsen could fit the physical requirements perfectly. The Norwegian offers Premier League experience and the necessary strength to occupy defenders, exactly what Forest need to maintain their direct approach.
Forest now sit seven points above the drop zone while Wolves lie at the foot of the table with just one win from 20 matches.
Selling a key asset to a direct competitor makes little sense for Rob Edwards’ side, but their increasingly desperate financial situation could force their hand if the right price arrives.
Strand Larsen’s struggles this season have been remarkable given his excellent debut campaign.
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The forward scored 14 Premier League goals last season after joining initially on loan from Celta Vigo before the move was made permanent last summer.
However, he has managed just one league goal this term, coming from the penalty spot, and his form has nosedived alongside Wolves’ catastrophic campaign.
That being said, the 25-year-old has showcased he can cut it in England based off last season’s heroics, and he’s been called a centre-forward of ‘tremendous’ potential.
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