Opinion: Nottingham Forest could be set for transfer disappointment
Soccer Football - Championship - Fulham vs Nottingham Forest - Craven Cottage, London, Britain - February 3, 2018 Nottingham Forest's Jack Colback looks dejected Action Images/Adam Holt EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Jack Colback would have topped the list of players that Nottingham Forest wanted to sign this summer, but the Newcastle midfielder may not be returning to the City Ground. Colback’s lofty wage demands could be the reason why – the 29-year-old earns in excess of £40k-per-week at St James’ Park.
Forest aren’t flush with cash this summer, evident from them eyeing up loan deals, free transfers and players with miniscule valuations, so Colback may be out of their price range at £2m+ per year. The Englishman has interest from a number of Premier League clubs too which could see him reticent to drop down a division – Burnley and Norwich City are keen.
Martin O’Neill has been linked with other midfielder targets in case Forest miss out on Colback, but it’s a major blow that the Reds can’t get back their one of their Players of the Season. Colback was outstanding in 2018/19, making 38 Championship appearances and averaging a tackle (120) or interception (55) every 19 minutes.
He scored and created four goals in the league, averaged 41 passes per game with 87% accuracy, created 17 chances, boasted a 67% dribble success rate, blocked 62 shots/passes/crosses, made 41 clearances and won 41 aerial duels (51%).