Nottingham Forest

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest's loan move for Aston Villa left-back Alex Moreno is progressing.

The 31-year-old is expected to head to the City Ground after falling down the pecking order under Villa boss Unai Emery. Ian Maatsen joined Villa for £37.5m from Chelsea earlier this summer, while Lucas Digne is also ahead of him.

The defender joined from Real Betis in 2023 and has made 48 appearances, scoring three goals, for Villa.

Meanwhile, Forest remain in talks with Burnley, who want to sign defender Joe Worrall. The centre-back has not played for Forest since January and spent the second half of last season on loan at Besiktas.

The Clarets could lose defender Dara O'Shea, who is wanted by Wolves and Brentford, and are looking to offer Worrall, who came through Forest's academy, a way out of the City Ground.

Arsenal are holding out for more than £30m for 25-year-old England striker Eddie Nketiah, after rejecting a £25m bid from Nottingham Forest. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest have confirmed defender Omar Richards has joined Portuguese Primeira Liga side Rio Ave on loan for the 2024-25 season.

Richards, 26, is yet to appear for Forest's first team and spent last season on loan at Olympiakos, another club owned by Evangelos Marinakis.

He made 14 appearances for the Europa Conference League winners.

Pat Riddell
Fan writer

New season, same old Nottingham Forest?

It is easy to draw that conclusion after Saturday's game - first half good, second half bad, and a last-gasp equaliser for the opposition. A narrative the City Ground faithful only know too well.

But we all know it is early days. Nuno Espirito Santo is more aware than anyone of the problems from last season, and pre-season is only the start of addressing both the past and the future.

There are new signings yet to make their mark - notably Nikola Milenkovic at centre-back, suspended against Bournemouth, and forward Ramon Sosa. Neither will solve defensive frailties or profligacy in front of goal immediately, nor indeed on their own, but both are part of the solution.

The new additions will take time to make their mark, as will tactical tweaks and understandings across the pitch. We might hit the ground running, we might need to grow into the season - either way, conclusions will take a while to reveal themselves.

It is a marathon not a sprint, and we saw enough on Saturday to suggest that maybe the positives will outweigh the negatives.

As ever, the games come thick and fast so we should be able to judge just how much progress has been made in the coming weeks.

One thing we do know, is that the loss of Danilo is a real heart-breaker. To suffer such a horrific injury so early in the season robs him of all his pre-season work and hopes for the year.

Thankfully, it does not sound as serious as first thought but does already cause a conundrum for Nuno in midfield.

Our thoughts and prayers with you, Danilo. Hope to see that smile back on the pitch soon.

Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club, external

Arsenal have rejected a bid from Nottingham Forest of £25m plus add-ons for 23-year-old England striker Eddie Nketiah. (Sun), external

The Reds are considering a fresh bid for 23-year-old Feyenoord and Mexico striker Santiago Gimenez, after their offer of 25m euros (£21.3m) was turned down. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Want more transfer news? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth.

Here are some of your comments:

Forest fans

Doug: Here we go again - leading in a game and we give a late goal away again. It's going to be a long, hard season if we can't close out a game when we are ahead. We also still have players who are simply not good enough to play at this level. We need to be a lot sharper at the back.

Mike: Looked good in the first half. However, as soon as the wingers went off our outlet disappeared and we looked flat and out of ideas. At least we stopped the rot on the opening day.

Steven: Forest sat back and allowed Bournemouth to get a foothold despite being by far the better and more imaginative team. We cannot play this way against the top 20 teams. Some very positive signs in first half, though. Feel so sad for Danilo!

Bournemouth fans

Clive: Only one team in the second half. We ran Forest ragged. They looked out on their feet. What a 19-year-old centre-half we have!

Paul: Same old, same old Neto. Always poor and costing Cherries positive results. How does he keep his place? Such a shame as all the rest of the team must be downhearted after his mistake again. For everyone’s sake, please bring in Travers.

Keith: Scrappy game but a good point - and so much better once the substitutes were on. We will improve next week with Evanilson playing.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer highlighted Ibrahim Sangare for his performance against Bournemouth on BBC Match of the Day:

"They signed him for a lot of money last summer and he only had 13 starts. Illness, injuries, for whatever reason it didn't really happen for him.

"Hopefully his performance can help him have a really good season. He had the most tackles, most interceptions and won possession more than anyone else.

"It's a big season for him. He did everything in a simple way but a lot of it was effective. A lot of the things that Forest started came from tackles from him, with him protecting the back four."

Watch the full episode here on BBC iPlayer

Nottingham Forest, Villarreal, Sevilla, and Valencia have registered interest in Aston Villa defender Alex Moreno, 31. (Football Insider, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport Football News Reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Danilo was being assessed on Sunday after his shocking ankle break against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Landing awkwardly just six minutes into the season, the midfielder will now be out for months. Depending on the severity of the break his campaign could be over already.

It is cruel for someone who is clearly popular with the squad and Nuno Espirito Santo had kind words for his stricken star after the game.

But, looking at it in black and white how does the injury impact their transfer plans? How does it impact the squad's rhythm, losing someone so key? Who is the man who will benefit?

Ryan Yates replaced Danilo while Elliot Anderson and Nicolas Dominguez are not like-for-like replacements.

It could force Forest into the market but profit and sustainability is always a consideration when sourcing a replacement.

At least though, Danilo is already in good spirits, having issued an update on Sunday.

"Hey guys. I'm just stopping by to say that I'm fine, thank God, and I'm already home," he wrote on his Instagram story.

"We'll be back soon. Thank you for all the messages of support."

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's six Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from Friday's game between Manchester United and Fulham.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Arsenal 2-0 Wolves

• West Ham 1-2 Aston Villa

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Forest dropped 26 points from winning positions last season and the air of inevitability hung heavy over the home supporters as they left the City Ground.

There was a sense Antoine Semenyo's late leveller was typical Forest after Nuno Espirito Santo's side had done the hard work to put themselves in control in the first half.

They recovered well from Danilo's sickening ankle injury and Chris Wood's opener was deserved but they failed to build on it.

Bournemouth struggled to break through and clearly missed the departed Dominic Solanke, with £40.2m record signing Evanilson, who signed from Porto on Friday, not registered in time to feature.

Yet Forest still let their visitors back into the game and, Willy Boly's second-half header aside, created little of worth going forward in the second half.

Morgan Gibbs-White was unable to create while the defending for the goal gifted the Cherries their late way back.

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest midfielder Danilo has suffered a broken ankle, boss Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed.

The 23-year-old fell badly on his left leg when challenging Antoine Semenyo after just six minutes of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at the City Ground.

Danilo had nine minutes of treatment on the pitch and was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham. He will be assessed further on Sunday.

"It was a horrible moment for everybody, he has broken his ankle," said Nuno.

"It's serious, we are going to miss him, not only on the pitch. He is a wonderful boy. He is always smiling, always with joy, and we wish him the best.

"Everybody loves him so much. He is leaving hospital just now and he is going to be assessed tomorrow. It is serious but the good news he is stable. He's speaking and aware, he just needs time."

When asked how long Danilo may be out for, Nuno added: "I cannot answer that, I just wish it is short, he is a very important player for us."

Writing on Instagram later, Danilo said he was now home.

"I'm fine thank God and I'm already home," he said. "I'll be back soon and thank you for all the messages of support."

Following Danilo's departure on a stretcher, Forest took a 23rd-minute lead through Chris Wood only for Semenyo to equalise with four minutes left.

"It (Danilo's injury) stays in the head of the players but the response was good," said Nuno.

"It was a good game, a tough game, both teams had chances, controlled the game, had momentum. In the second half we had possession, good combinations and we conceded in the last minutes. We are disappointed about that."

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live about Danilo's first-half injury in their draw with Bournemouth: "It's not a nice one when a team-mate goes down on the pitch like that. He is a great guy and loved by everyone. We will be here to support him in any way possible for him and the family and I know he will come back stronger.

"As footballers you just want to play a nice game and not have to worry about anything like that. It is not nice to see and we will support him.

"Whatever it is, he will come back stronger and come back a better man."

On his goal: "Let's hope that continues. I want to keep contributing and keep scoring goals. We were good in phases today and we need a more complete performance."

Image source, Getty Images

Nuno Espirito Santo spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Nottingham Forest's draw with Bournemouth: "I'm disappointed with how we concede, we had the game under control. It was a tough game, a good game, both teams had momentum. We could have had more.

"We don't know exactly [on the extent of Danilo's injury], we know it's serious. It's unfortunate for him as he is a nice boy, in a good moment. We are going to miss him.

"I think we have a good squad that allows us to have options coming from the bench. But we are going to miss Danilo because he is a top player.

"Chris Wood did well, he gives us another option. Overall I am happy. It's the first game of the season. I am satisfied with the way we played and competed against a tough team. It was a good game, they had chances, we had chances. Let's go for the next one."

Adam Millington
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

In the end, Nottingham Forest's promising first-half display was not enough to beat Bournemouth in their opening game of the Premier League season.

But elements of their performance were definitely encouraging - not least the work of winger Anthony Elanga.

Elanga's well-timed runs, pace out wide and intricate footwork constantly troubled the Bournemouth defence and carved out chances for Forest in the final third.

He also dropped inside when needed as Forest's front line regularly switched positions to try to outsmart the Cherries.

Elanga wasn't alone in being impressive - both Callum Hudson-Odoi and Morgan Gibbs-White were also difficult for Bournemouth to handle - but was a standout player.

Forest were unable to keep things under control at the back and deliver the victory their attacking strength probably deserved, but the fact they were strong going forward is positive nevertheless.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

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Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

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Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport Football News Reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest move into their third season back in the Premier League looking for stability.

Boss Nuno Espirito Santo says he has seen progress in his squad since he arrived last December and, with that, should come the top flight security the club will crave.

A second consecutive brush with relegation last season came with the backdrop of the four-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules and a very public row over refereeing appointments and standards.

The club has backed the changes and additional transparency offered by referees' body the Professional Game Match Officials Limited and the Premier League for this season and Nuno has said he will try to avoid confrontation with officials.

Forest are confident they can avoid another season of struggle and that they kick off against Bournemouth with Morgan Gibbs-White and Murillo still in the building shows they have, so far, kept their best assets.

A season of mid-table mediocrity may not sound exciting or glamorous but, for those at the City Ground, it would represent real progress and show Forest can start to establish themselves in the top flight.

There are six games on the opening Saturday of the 2024-25 Premier League and BBC Sport will bring you all the action and reaction throughout the day.

*All times are BST

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A new season, and a new challenge for BBC Sport's prediction expert Chris Sutton.

Sutton faced off against a guest for each of the 38 game weeks in 2023-24 and triumphed 21-10 (with seven draws) to secure his second predictions title in a row.

He will have a guest each week this time too, but now you can find out if you can do any better.

Sutton's opponent for the opening round of games is The Courteeners frontman Liam Fray.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

I was wondering how Bournemouth would replace Dominic Solanke's goals and then the news broke about them bringing in Brazil striker Evanilson from Porto, which is an exciting signing for their fans.

Things have been relatively quiet at Nottingham Forest compared to what usually happens with the ins and outs there each summer, and hopefully there will be less drama when the season starts too.

I supported Forest as a boy so I always want them to do well, and I do think they will crack the Premier League eventually, and have a smoother ride. Maybe it will be this year.

Bournemouth won 3-2 at the City Ground in December, with Solanke completing his hat-trick with a stoppage-time winner after Forest had been reduced to 10 men just 23 minutes into Nuno Espirito Santo's first game as Forest boss.

I don't see this game having quite so many thrills and spills, and I am going for Forest to edge it.

Liam's prediction: 1-2

Forest are going to be bobbing around the relegation zone again and I fancy an away win here. Bournemouth will miss Solanke but they played some good football last season.

Read of rest of their predictions here