Nottinghamshire

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Nottingham Forest's latest recruit Dan Ndoye is a "marquee signing" according to BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray.

"I think this was their big target in terms of replacing [Anthony] Elanga," Fray told the Shut Up and Show More Football podcast.

"When he left [I said] there really is no substitution for pace, especially when he's got end product with it, but Dan Ndoye has bags and bags of pace as well so it does seem to be a direct replacement.

"[I'm] excited to see him, a big signing for Forest and one they were desperate to get over the line and I don't think it will be the last, I think they'll be busy between now and the end of the transfer window.

"But obviously it's a big, big fee for Forest and I think I'm right in saying that this is the highest initial payment that Forest have paid for a player, and that is a big thing for him to have to handle at 24 years of age. But this is a marquee signing.

"Clearly you look at this pace they've brought in and that still gives them a massive option in terms of hitting teams on the counter attack but it's been interesting in pre-season because you've seen Nuno tinkering with playing styles and formations.

"We're just going to have to see because you can never read too much into pre-season."

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

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Just a few days after tying key man Morgan Gibbs-White down to a new contract, Nottingham Forest have concluded another important piece of business, bringing in Switzerland international Dan Ndoye.

The Reds needed a new winger, to replace Anthony Elanga, but can Ndoye replicate the Sweden international's success at the City Ground?

Both players operate everywhere across the forward line. Elanga made 57% of his Premier League appearances for Forest on the right, but he played almost 25% of his games on the left and also had some success playing up front.

As for Ndoye, his Serie A experience has been almost equally split between the left (41%) and right wings (40%), with occasional outings at wing-back. He further underlined his versatility by starting in four different roles in five games at Euro 2024, playing at right wing, centre-forward, left wing and right wing-back.

Both players are rapid and use their athleticism to drive play upfield. Elanga registered a top speed of 36.7 km/h last season, the third fastest in the Premier League, while Ndoye was the eighth quickest player at Euro 2024.

Interestingly, Elanga only ranked 50th for the number of dribbles attempted last season, partly reflecting Forest's counter-attacking style, but when the Reds did get him on the ball he was devastatingly effective.

Ndoye looks well placed to step into that role. He recorded 125 'long progressive carries', defined as forward dribbles that total 10m or more, according to Opta. That was the second highest total by a winger or attacking midfielder in Serie A last season.

Elanga stands out in terms of creativity though, registering 21 Premier League assists over the past two seasons, equivalent to one every 258 minutes. Ndoye has just eight assists over the same period, one every 626 minutes.

Yet while the pair offer goal threat, they are not yet prolific. Elanga has netted 11 times in 82 league appearances for Forest, while Ndoye scored 11 goals in 76 games for Bologna.

The Nyon-born player is not the finished article, but if he can add a little more end product to his game then he could prove a more than adequate replacement for Elanga.

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BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray gave his verdict on Morgan Gibbs-White's new contract after a failed approach by Tottenham:

"It's a huge boost. I was as surprised as anybody - I thought he was probably on the way out but you can hear what it means to supporters. I was at Chesterfield for the friendly against Monaco and saw the reception he got.

"So it was a surprise but a pleasant surprise because he is a key part of what Forest do.

"When he is missing, yes others can fill in but on a regular basis you feel you miss his quality and ability to make something happen.

"I know some fans get frustrated sometimes as when he is trying to make something happen a ball can go astray. But quite often, something does happen.

"Having lost Elanga already, the idea of losing both was filling Forest fans with some dread. To try to replace him would have been a difficult ask I think because of what he gives you on the pitch. To turn it around to sign a new contract is a big, big coup."

"I think it helps a player when the owner sits down with you on a one-to-one level and explains how important a part you are. A big pay rise is going to help.

"It probably comes down to a combination of being loved and wanted, of being told Forest will build around him and that this is a place where he can have a massive season, with a World Cup coming up. He needs a good season, to be playing and impressing on a regular basis."

Listen to Colin on Shut Up and Show More Football

Image source, Curtis

On Monday, we asked you to tell us why you fell in love with Forest and some of your favourite moments supporting them.

You have already been getting in touch with your photos and stories and here is just a taste from Curtis:

"Walking from the city centre to the City Ground is a walk to the stadium like few others. The bridge along London Road over the River Trent, the four independent stands pop out, along with a sea of red and white.

"My first game was against Chesterfield, aged 11 in September 2006. I won the ticket through a summer football camp organised by the club that August. Neil Harris scored that day and we went on to win 4-0.

"I held a season ticket for 12 years, in which time we rose from League One into the Championship, in and out of relegation battles and play-off pushes, ultimately leading to us getting promoted to the top flight at Wembley in 2022. I still remember being sat up in the gods, that feeling at the final whistle, the rumble in my chest... Nobody will ever be able to take that away from me.

"I still go to regular home games with the top membership, despite relocating to south Yorkshire, but I often make reference to three of my dreams coming true in the space of three years - two of which happened simultaneously; seeing Forest play at Wembley, seeing Forest promoted to the Premier League and seeing Forest in a European competition.

"Time to grab the passport. Here's to the next chapter of the club I'll adore until my very last day."

Join the conversation and send your best photo about why you love Forest.

Your first visit to the stadium? A special kit? An amazing away trip?

Send us your pictures and stories

The latest episode of BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast has landed.

On the agenda this week, David Jackson and Colin Fray discuss the arrival of forward Dan Ndoye from Serie A side Bologna and the significance of Morgan Gibbs-White's new contract at the City Ground.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Brentford striker Yoane Wissa continues to train away from the first team amid uncertainty over his future and interest from multiple rival clubs.

The 28-year-old arrived at training on time before meeting manager Keith Andrews and sporting director Phil Giles to indicate his preference to continue training alone.

Wissa has previously threatened he will never play for Brentford again in past talks with Giles amid reports a £25m bid from Newcastle was rejected last week.

Tottenham and Nottingham Forest are also believed to be interested in the Congo international.

Andrews is preparing his team to face QPR on Saturday which will also be the first time he speaks about the situation publicly.

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Nottingham Forest have confirmed the signing of versatile forward Dan Ndoye from Bologna.

The 24-year-old Switzerland international has agreed a five-year deal at the City Ground, having last season scored the Coppa Italia final goal that won Bologna's first major trophy for more than 50 years.

Ndoye made his international debut for Switzerland in 2022 and has gone on to earn 22 caps for his country.

"It is a really exciting time at Forest and I knew straight away that I wanted to be a part of the project," Ndoye said.

"It's a really ambitious team with a fantastic history and I can't wait to get started."

The club's chief football officer, Ross Wilson, added: "Dan is an exciting new addition to our squad and a player we have tracked extensively over a long period of time.

"We are delighted that he joins Nottingham Forest and continues his own ambitious journey here with us."