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Bournemouth interested in Fulham's Zepapublished at 15:21 13 August
15:21 13 August
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Bournemouth are in talks to sign Fulham winger Macauley Zepa but expect competition from Nottingham Forest.
The French youngster is looking to leave Craven Cottage amid concerns about his pathway into Marco Silva's first team having refused to sign a professional contract on his 17th birthday in July.
Fulham would be due compensation but Bournemouth are looking to extend the ambition of their academy following renewed training ground investment under Bill Foley's ownership.
Zepa scored 11 goals and supplied 10 assists in 30 league matches for Fulham's Under-18s last season and is understood to be negotiating terms over a move into Bournemouth's academy team.
However, there is caution given known interest from Forest and the potential for a rival offer.
Forest consider next move after Hutchinson bid rejectedpublished at 11:37 13 August
11:37 13 August
Nick Mashiter BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Nottingham Forest are considering their next move for Ipswich winger Omari Hutchinson.
The Tractor Boys have rejected a £35m offer from Forest for the former Chelsea youngster, with the City Ground side now assessing their options.
Forest, who open their Premier League season at home to Brentford on Sunday, have already brought in winger Dan Ndoye from Bologna to replace Anthony Elanga, who has gone to Newcastle.
Brentford also had an bid worth £35m rejected for England Under-21 wideman Hutchinson, who won the European Championship in the summer with the Young Lions and scored in their final win over Germany.
It matched Hutchinson's release clause but because of the payment structure, with the money spread over time, Ipswich could turn it down and the clause has now expired.
'An opportunity to write our own history'published at 12:50 12 August
12:50 12 August
Pat Riddell Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
After last season's achievement - and some might still argue underachievement - Nottingham Forest will undoubtedly hope to improve on a seventh-place finish and an FA Cup semi-final.
As fans, we have to hope that means the squad improvements continue, the new signings settle and the existing players maintain their performance from last season.
Nuno Espirito Santo's tactics will develop to increase possession, be more proactive with the ball and dominate some games, particularly where the opposition hand us the initiative.
The European adventure is one to be excited about and greater squad depth will hopefully see us balance competitions both at home and abroad, with eyes on a top-five finish.
Of course, the fear factor is that last season was a one-off and all the other Premier League teams will have strengthened to the extent that breaking into the top six or seven will be beyond those without the revenues to spend big.
While Europe is undoubtedly something everybody is eyeing gleefully, the prospect of playing in excess of 50 games will be a challenge for a squad that ran out of steam last season.
And will Nuno be found out if a low possession, counter-attacking approach does not work this time around? Or, indeed, if our squad depth and injury situation hinders rather than helps us.
Obviously a new contract for Morgan Gibbs-White and additional arrivals will hopefully see us in good stead. But there is an argument either way for underachieving or overachieving again.
With relatively little recent success to compare against, Forest again have an opportunity to write their own history.
What could McAtee bring to Forest? published at 10:39 12 August
10:39 12 August
Karan Vinod BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester City attacking midfielder James McAtee is nearing a move to Nottingham Forest, according to reports.
Still only 22, the Salford-born midfielder has had limited starting opportunities at City, but his flashes of quality - backed by the numbers - suggest he could be a shrewd addition for Nuno Espirito Santo.
McAtee played 959 minutes in all competitions for City last season. In statistical terms, that's a small sample size, meaning raw totals don't tell the full story. Instead, per-90 metrics give a clearer picture of his impact when he is on the pitch.
McAtee's 9.22 progressive passes received per 90 is a standout figure, suggesting he consistently finds pockets of space beyond opposition midfield lines. This movement makes him a valuable outlet for ball progression - a trait Nottingham Forest could harness to transition quickly from defence to attack.
Coupled with 5.88 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, the midfielder's profile leans towards a player who not only gets into dangerous positions but does so frequently, signalling strong off-ball intelligence.
Defensively, McAtee's 1.96 tackles per 90 indicates he's willing to engage in out-of-possession work, a necessity in a Forest side that often spends stretches without the ball. While not a defensive specialist, that level of contribution shows he's not purely a luxury player.
His SCA (take-on) rate of 0.59 per 90 also hints at his ability to beat a man and directly create shooting opportunities, offering Forest an additional weapon when breaking down low blocks or hitting on the counter.
One area to watch is ball retention. His 0.78 dispossessions per 90 is relatively low for an attacking midfielder, which suggests he is careful in possession and makes calculated risks when taking on defenders. For a team like Forest, who can't afford to waste attacking opportunities, this combination of creativity, movement, and ball security could be invaluable. While the dataset is limited, these per-90 figures show a player with the technical and tactical tools to adapt quickly to a more prominent role in the Premier League.
How does Marinakis avoid multi-club ownership troubles?published at 17:58 11 August
17:58 11 August
Bobbie Jackson BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Uefa regulations around multi-club ownership and European competitions are in place to prevent collusion.
In the governing body's rulebook, a club is required to prove they are not "simultaneously involved in any capacity whatsoever in the management, administration, and/or sporting performance of more than one club participating in a Uefa club competition".
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who also controls Greek side Olympiakos, avoided regulations around multi-club ownership by diluting his control of the Premier League side, which was announced in April.
John Textor took similar steps to help Crystal Palace's prospects of playing in the Europa League by agreeing to sell his stake to New York Jets owner Johnson in June.
Ultimately, there were no sanctions to avoid and no case to answer for Forest - they fell short in their Champions League challenge and are therefore not in the same competition as Olympiakos.
'New faces look promising' or 'squad is too light'? published at 16:07 11 August
16:07 11 August
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on whether Nottingham Forest are ready for the new season as they prepare to kick off at home to Brentford on Sunday.
Here are some of your comments:
Sean: In terms of results, it's not been an ideal pre-season. However, the new faces look very promising so it's likely to just be a case of working at it and the goals will come. We looked worn out at the end of last season, so with that in mind and the prospect of a European campaign, we need to sign a few more players and have a little squad depth. Ideally, had we signed more players by now we could have used them more in pre-season but now it'll have to be a case of getting them up to speed in the Premier League.
Ken: I will only start worrying if we don't score against Brentford. I will say this: am I the only one who thinks the rest of the squad are distant from Gibbs-White since he had his new deal? Murillo has been awful. David Carmo has been excellent. Awoniyi looks sharp, Hudson-Odoi looks disinterested. Nuno has remained silent. Morato surely has to go? Jesus has had so little service that he must be wondering why he came. Ndoye looked good.
Kevin: Absolutely terrified for the coming season. One goal across all those games? Barely any signings. I fear we maybe about to repeat the mid-90s when Forest finished third, ninth and then got relegated. Difficult times ahead for this season after what was a massive overachievement last term.
Ken: At the moment, very concerned. Our squad is still too light. What's worse is the lack of chances created for Igor, Jesus, Woody and Taiwo. If Nuno continues with this counter-attacking style, it won't work, teams have rumbled it. We should be going for Harvey Elliott and James McAtee as they are both creative. At the moment, Gibbs-White looks disinterested, Hudson-Odoi looks like he doesn't want to be there and Murillo looks like he is more interested in the London lifestyle than helping his club. If we make a bad start, I fear for Nuno, I really do. He needs to find a plan B, and quick.
Tony: Really concerned at how impotent Forest have looked in front of goal in pre-season. The whole team just do not seem to be in tune with each other. Last year they looked 'together' but not so much so far. The subs seemed to have a completely different mindset to the starting XI, who themselves seemed caught between last season's set-up and the new one deployed so far. Could be a big, bumpy landing next week if not sorted pronto.
Forest's Europa League place confirmedpublished at 12:17 11 August
12:17 11 August
Image source, Getty Images
Nottingham Forest's place in the Europa League for this season has been confirmed after Crystal Palacelost their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) against being demoted from the competition.
American businessman John Textor owned a 43% stake in the club until he sold it in July and is the majority owner of Lyon, who have also qualified for the Europa League.
As a result, Forest were moved from the Conference League into the Europa League, with the Eagles taking their place in the third-tier competition.
The ruling from Cas said:
Regulations are clear and do not provide flexibility to clubs that are non-compliant on the assessment date, as Palace claimed.
Textor still had decisive influence over both clubs at the time of Uefa's assessment date.
The panel also dismissed Palace's argument that they received unfair treatment in comparison to Nottingham Forest and Lyon.
Gossip: Forest make moves for Magassa and Tsimikas published at 07:32 11 August
07:32 11 August
Nottingham Forest have made an offer for Monaco's 21-year-old French midfielder Soungoutou Magassa. (L'Equipe - in French), external
Kostas Tsimikas is edging nearer to leaving Liverpool after being left out of their Community Shield squad, with Nottingham Forest having been interested in the 29-year-old Greece left-back. (Echo), external
'I thought anyone who could chuck mud over my mum must be worth following'published at 15:56 8 August
15:56 8 August
You have been sharing your stories and photos about why you love Nottingham Forest.
Here is a final selection of your submissions, but do make sure you scroll down this page to see all the best responses from throughout the week:
James: While growing up in different parts of the country I didn't really identify with football clubs until living near Nottingham in my teens. The fervour of the club and the loyal fans have always made me think of Forest as a true football team with pride and passion, in a fine city. The roar of the crowds and the friendliness is something to behold. It was a real joy to see them back in the Premier League where they belong. "Nottingham Forest are magic!"
Image caption,
Gareth: First leg of the European Cup April 1980 - Forest v Ajax. I was aged 10 and went to the game with my dad. I swapped my Forest scarf with a Dutch lad of a similar age before the game started. I still have it and the scarf is one of my treasured possessions. Very happy days, especially when Forest won 2-0 and went on to win the European Cup again. COYR!
Graham: My mum used to take me to watch Torquay United. Forest came down to play a pre-season friendly. They had just purchased Peter Shilton. He was getting bombarded by toilet rolls being thrown... then picked up a handful of mud and chucked it back. It went all over my mum. He came over and apologised. Brian Clough walked around the pitch and had a chat and a laugh with her. She dined out on that story until she died. I just thought anyone who could chuck mud over my mum must be worth following.
🎧'I wouldn't worry too much about pre-season' published at 11:27 8 August
11:27 8 August
Paul Taylor - Nottingham Forest writer at The Athletic - speaking on the Shut Up and Show More Football podcast about Forest's pre-season campaign: "You have to be a little bit worried on some scale with Forest only scoring one goal, but pre-season is never a proper pedometer of how you will fare.
"There have been times when Forest have had really good pre-seasons and then that has not carried through to the start of their campaign.
"When you have only scored one goal in all the pre-season matches you have played then obviously that is a concern, especially when you have lost Anthony Elanga, who was one of the most creative outlets.
"But all that matters is that they are ready to go and are injury free. I wouldn't worry what happens too much in pre-season."
Nottingham Forest continued their pre-season preparations with a goalless draw against Serie A side Fiorentina at the City Ground on Wednesday evening. Their final friendly is on Saturday when Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah visit the City Ground (17:30 BST).
On the transfer market and Nuno's hopes: "Instead of trying to compete with lower end Premier League teams, Forest are competing with teams like Newcastle and Manchester United. That is a whole different kettle of fish. They will find it difficult to compete with teams who have so much history.
"As Forest continue to try and build their rise, they have got to find of way to be clever again and compete in something that isn't a level playing field.
"Their recruitment has been brilliant, but there is pressure to keep being brilliant when the landscape is changing.
"Nuno still wants to add four, maybe five signings. He definitely needs full-backs.
"When you have lost players like Alex Moreno and Harry Toffolo, you need to add some new players. They want another winger as well.
"It will be interesting to see if their recruitment is as good as it has been in recent years."
🎧 'It has been positive' - Yates on pre-seasonpublished at 11:27 8 August
11:27 8 August
Image source, Getty Images
Nottingham Forest captain Ryan Yates speaking on the Shut Up And Show More Football podcast on how he feels pre-season has gone: "Really good. I can't believe how quickly it has gone. Every season it seems to go quicker and quicker!
"We have had a really good, positive tour and got some good minutes in the legs for most of the squad. We are ready to go now.
"Portugal was a really positive tour. We got so much good work done there.
"It is tough in pre-season because you want to be fresh going into any game. But sometimes you go in with heavy legs having done harder training sessions.
"It's all for the greater good however. We will feel the benefits of that throughout the season."
Nottingham Forest have signed Dan Ndoye from Bologna in a deal worth £34m while Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn has joined the side on a one-year deal.
"We have bonded as a group really well and have got to know the new players," Yates added. "The first five to 10 games of the season will be the true test.
"From a player's point of view, it has been positive. We are focusing on each day as it comes and we are looking forward to Brentford.
"This is a totally fresh slate, it doesn't matter what has gone before now once the new season starts."
🎧 Assessing Forest's squad and pre-seasonpublished at 19:45 7 August
19:45 7 August
Another edition of BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast is now available.
The Athletic's Forest correspondent Paul Taylor joins host Colin Fray to put the spotlight on the Reds' pre-season as the search for goals goes in - plus hear from club captain Ryan Yates.
'He's with me every time I watch them' - fan storiespublished at 16:32 7 August
16:32 7 August
This week, we are asking you to share your stories and photos for why you fell in love with Nottingham Forest.
Here is a selection of your submissions:
Image caption,
Yann: I first saw Forest in Europe in the early 1980s. My next memories are as a young man, watching Stuart Pearce, Roy Keane and Stan Collymore (best player I've seen in the Garibaldi). And an increasingly elderly looking Clough in the dugout. This was with my mates, one passed around this time of year and he's with me every time I watch them. Following a personally horrible time, I started to follow Forest again, from the foot of the Championship, to promotion, to today. Forest mean a great deal to me. Here's a signed photo I found at Newark fleamarket of the 1959 FA Cup-winning side. It cost 20p!
Tim: As an Australian Forest fan through my father, watching from afar in the 1990s, it was on a Monday night TV highlights show where I could hope for a few minutes from the match.
Finally in 1996, when I was 13 years old, we made the trip back and were at the City Ground for the 1-1 draw with Derby.
Dean Saunders scored for the Reds and I will never forget the noise and passion (my dad was getting hugs from the guy next to him).
Compared with Australian sport, it was mind-blowing and I have been a fan ever since.
Image caption,
Rob: I've been a Forest fan since I was three when apparently I found a T-shirt in my room and really liked the design on it. I started wearing it without realising it was the Forest badge on the front. My mum's family are from Nottingham, so we would make the trip from Northern Ireland to Nottingham every summer so have always had that connection to the city. My favourite memory was watching the 1990 League Cup final at the airport while waiting to go to Mallorca on our first holiday abroad.
Four Premier League goalkeepers nominated for Yasin Awardpublished at 15:31 7 August
15:31 7 August
Image source, Getty Images
Alisson, Emi Martinez, Matz Sels and David Raya have been nominated for the 2025 Yashin Award.
The trophy - named after former Dynamo Moscow goalkeeper and Ballon d'Or winner Lev Yashin - is awarded to the best performing goalkeeper of the previous season.
Alisson won the maiden edition of the award in 2019, while Martinez is looking to pick up the trophy for a third time after winning in both 2023 and 2024. It is a first-time nomination for both David Raya and Matz Sels, who shared the Premier League Golden Glove in 2025.
'It becomes really hard to separate yourself from it'published at 11:44 7 August
11:44 7 August
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Danielle Sarver Coombs
When it comes to our love for a football club, the answer to why we do lies in "both psychological and societal" reasons.
In the first part of her chat with BBC Sport, researcher and co-writer of the Routledge Handbook of Sport Fans and Fandom Danielle Sarver Coombs spoke about the part that identity and tradition play.
And yet when we are caught up in the emotions of a tough defeat or nerves of an important match, we can often ask why we put ourselves through it.
"There are psychological processes at work and physiological ones in terms of how we respond and engage," Sarver Coombs said.
"An example that I always give is when I take the train to work, I go past Arsenal's stadium and I feel literally nothing other than: 'Oh, that's a big building'. Whereas on a train to Manchester, I went by Villa Park and my heart started pounding. I got all excited and was trying to take pictures out the window.
"I had a visceral reaction to this place. We can't pretend we don't have that sort of physical reaction because we do.
"When someone is talking about a controversial decision and I feel myself getting wound up, even though I intellectually know that I can't control it and that it's just a game, my body doesn't know that.
"My gut doesn't know that and so I have this really emotional response and we can't control that."
A 2023 book titled 'Football on the brain: why minds love sport, external' suggests it comes down to 'an understandable and logical consequence of the human mind's natural inclination to find meaning through beliefs... It's a religion as far as the brain is concerned'.
But it not just about what is going on inside the mind but outside influences too.
"There is a sociological element to it because the community part is such a huge driver and benefit for us," Sarver Coombs explains.
"Sociologically, we are driven to be part of communities. We are driven to find our groups that we can be members of. Sport provides a way to do that - this sense that I was chosen to be part of this community and it's something bigger than I am."
As the game expands, unrest among supporters seems to be increasing, but how does that impact this ingrained love for a club?
"You always go through these cycles when the game is changing," Sarver Coombs said.
"Despite all the changes, the traditions remain so strong and it's such a huge draw that it becomes really hard to actually separate yourself from it. Even if you do, it tends to be a short-term separation. You get sucked back in because something happens.
"People don't want that change, but then we adapt to it and continue moving forward."
Browse this page to see lots of fan stories for how you fell in love with your club.
Gossip: Forest face competition for Luiz and Hutchinsonpublished at 07:49 7 August
07:49 7 August
Nottingham Forest are closing in on a deal to sign 27-year-old Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz from Juventus, who could make a move for Forest and Ivory Coast midfielder Ibrahim Sangare, 27. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external
However, Everton are also interested in Douglas Luiz and, like Forest, could look at a loan with an option or obligation to buy. (Mail), external
Clough 'kissed my grandad's bald head' - fan storiespublished at 16:31 6 August
16:31 6 August
This week, we are asking you to share your stories and photos for why you fell in love with Nottingham Forest.
Here is a selection of your submissions:
Image caption,
Ryan: My first game was Sheffield Wednesday away with my grandad, a staunch SWFC fan. I sided with my parental side of the family and chose Forest. Back in 1991 he turned up, said he used to work at the ground and asked if we could have a look around pre-match.
Then Forest turned up. Mr Clough jumped off the bus. I asked for his autograph. He told me to come in the dressing room, meet all the players then posed for pics and kissed my grandad on his bald head. We lost 2-1 but what a memory!
Tony: It was January 1975 and Brian Clough arrived. I was a disgusted Derby supporter turned into a delighted Forest fan. The 30th May 1979? A honeymoon drive to Munich. Perfect!
Image caption,
Robert: I've been a lifelong Forest supporter, watching them play in the glory days of Brian Clough. I first started to go down the City Ground when I was about 11, which was in the mid Sixties. I wasn't that tall in those days and had to use a stool to stand on to see over the wall at the Bridgford end.
That stool is still in the family and received a bit of a makeover when Forest were promoted to the Premier League. My son and grandson both support Forest.
Image source, Getty Images
