Nottingham Forest have enquired about a loan deal for Juventus' Douglas Luiz, 26, but the Brazil midfielder is also on the radar of Manchester United, Manchester City and Fulham. (Mail, external)
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
A new episode of BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football is now available to listen to and download on BBC Sounds.
David Jackson and Colin Fray analyse how Forest are maintaining their push for Champions League qualification and assess the season so far.
Plus, hear from captain Ryan Yates and a preview of a huge game on Tuesday when Premier League leaders Liverpool visit the City Ground.
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesNottingham Forest midfielder Danilo could make his return against Luton after recovering from a broken ankle.
The 23-year-old is expected to be in the squad for Forest's FA Cup third round tie at the City Ground on Saturday.
Danilo broke his ankle just six minutes into the season after landing awkwardly during Forest's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in August.
He will not start the game, but boss Nuno Espirito Santo is hopeful the Brazilian can feature at some point.
He said: "We all wish to see Danilo back on the pitch. He is going to be involved in the squad, he is not going to start. Hopefully we can see him, but we are delighted to have him back.
"Danilo has a smile that is contagious. It has been really good to have him back."
He is likely to be part of a much-changed Forest squad against managerless Luton, who parted company with Rob Edwards on Thursday.
"We are ready to play against Luton. Of course we are going to make changes because every player deserves to start a game," said Nuno.
"We demand a lot from them and we see them work. It is a good chance for our players to play and enjoy themselves, and do their job properly.
"It's a reward, if I make myself clear, because the players are working very hard. If we could, we would play them every game but it's not possible.
"The FA Cup and particularly this game at home, they deserve to play. There's a lot of players in our squad who didn't have enough minutes they are working for and they deserve so much. It's a good moment."
Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist
Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Saturday's FA Cup third round tie against Luton Town (kick-off 15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Nuno said he is not responsible for contract negotiations at the club, but those that are are "taking care of" the situations of Murillo, Ola Aina and Chris Wood.
He added: "I don't think there is an issue with that [discussions distracting players]. They are OK and working very well."
On if Forest's success so far this season is helpful when agreeing new deals and extensions: "Of course it helps. When a player is happy at club there is no issues in terms of changing. We want players to feel good. What we expect is we provide the right atmospheres and they have to do their job on the pitch."
On what has changed to improve their defence this season: "The commitment of the players, realising how important it is. When you speak about defences, it is not only about the defenders and the goalkeeper. Of course they are huge, but it starts Chris [Wood], with how we try to prevent and cut out some lines. It is all about the team. Clean sheets are the basic starting point for me when you want to compete well."
The Forest boss said there is "no other thing in our mind besides Luton", despite their next Premier League game being against leaders Liverpool.
Nuno has said he will make changes to his team: "The players are working very hard, all of them. If we could, we would play them every game, they deserve it. There are a lot of players that have not had enough minutes and they deserve to so this is a good moment."
Danilo, who was injured in the first match of the season, will be involved in the squad but will not start the game.
On his wish for the January transfer window, Nuno said: "Everybody stays here. Together, with better spirit, more commitment and ready to go."
Follow Thursday's news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Manchester City are considering a move for Nottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina, 28. (GiveMeSport, external)
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
Image source, SNSDundee have signed defender Aaron Donnelly from Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Dundee, making 21 appearances following his debut in October 2023 at Livingston.
Donnelly has been on loan at Colchester United this season, playing 22 times for the English League Two club.
He made his Northern Ireland debut in November last year when he came on as a substitute against Andorra.
"I am absolutely delighted to be back at the club," the centre-back told Dundee's website.
"As soon as I knew there was interest, it was a no-brainer to come back. My time here was excellent last season, really successful and I hope to pick up where I left off.
"There was a real connection with the fans and the players and I'm looking to repay them for the great support. I can't wait to get back out in front of them.
"I am really looking forward to seeing the fans again at Dens Park on Thursday night [against Rangers] and make sure to bring the noise."
Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist
The vast majority of teams in the Premier League are going short from their goal-kicks most of the time, with 11 of the 20 teams playing at least 50% of them inside their own area, and 17 of the 20 playing most of them in their own half.
Premier League leaders Liverpool play 85% of their goal-kicks into their half, with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City having a similar figure of 83%.
But there are perhaps some surprising takes from the figures.
As the above graphic shows, Arsenal - for years seen as playing a progressive, attractive style of football - are just as happy to go long with their goal-kicks as they are short, with roughly half of them ending in the opposition half.
In contrast, the Gunners' fierce rivals Tottenham have, somewhat incredibly, gone long with just four of their 145 goal-kicks so far this season.
Brighton notably went from goalkeeper to goal in less than 30 seconds to spark their 3-2 comeback win against Tottenham in October.
The Seagulls play 75% of their goal-kicks inside their own half and have had some great success with that tactic this campaign.
Meanwhile, surprise packages Nottingham Forest - sitting third in the Premier League - are also bucking the trend with their goal-kicks, with 60% of them being sent into the opposition half.
It is a tactic that, while at odds with the rest of the Premier League, is working for them with resurgent 33-year-old striker Chris Wood providing them with an effective outlet for the long ball.
Read more from Gary about how the role of the goalkeeper has changed
A special episode of Shut Up And Show More Football is available to listen to and download on BBC Sounds.
To mark 50 years since Brian Clough was named Nottingham Forest manager, Colin Fray looks back at the moment he was appointed and how it changed Forest and English football forever.
This one-off programme marks the sliding doors' moment of Clough's arrival and the impact Forest's decision would go on to have, featuring contributions from key figures from the club's present and past including former boss Martin O'Neil and current owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
And read Andrew Aloia's write-up here
Nottingham Forest are in talks to extend the deal of 22-year-old Brazilian centre-back Murillo, which currently ends in 2028. (Athletic - subscription required, external)
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesNottingham Forest defender Neco Williams told BBC Radio Nottingham that he believes the club have a "great chance" of beating his former club Liverpool in their next league game.
Williams said: "Liverpool will be a tough test, but the confidence is flowing through the group now so hopefully we can continue that winning form.
"Not just for me, but for the whole team it'll be special. We're the only team to beat them this season, so hopefully we can do that again.
"It's going to be tough, we know how good they are. They're probably one of the best teams in the world right now.
"But with our confidence, our winning form and the fans, if that all comes together then we'll have a great chance."
Pat Riddell
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesNottingham Forest were in the Premier League for its inaugural season and then only managed another four in the 1990s. After being promoted in 2022 it is very easy to say 'the last time Forest did x was in 1996'.
Our best league finish, our top goal scorer, back-to-back wins… it all sounds impressive without context. The context is almost a quarter of a century in the wilderness.
I have said it before but the Reds really are playing catch-up this season. We have moved beyond Premier League records now - Monday night's 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers was the first time we have seen six consecutive victories in the top flight since 1966-67 and the first time we have seen four consecutive clean sheets in the top flight since March 1992.
On the 50th anniversary of Brian Clough's arrival at the City Ground, this Forest side are doing things even Old Big 'Ead didn't achieve. What is significant now is that emulating his real achievements remains a fairytale - but Leicester City's title-winning season saw the Foxes with the same number of points after 20 games. Who is to say that is beyond us now?
Nobody is getting carried away with themselves - yet - but only four Premier League sides have reached 40 points at this stage of the season and not finished in the top four. On average, 26 points from the remaining 18 games would be enough for a top five finish. And crucially, while not confirmed, it is possible that England gains a fifth Champions League spot this season.
Nuno Espirito Santo consistently says "we've achieved nothing yet," and he very much knows the reality of football. However, those 40 points mean two things - one, that we're very much clear of relegation. And two, the records Forest keep breaking are very much becoming meaningful now. The time for dreaming is over, the rest of the season is there for the taking.
Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club, external
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your thoughts after Monday's Premier League game between Wolves and Nottingham Forest.
Here are some of your comments:
Wolves fans
Dan: The formation we played made us very open to attacks on the break, which is where all the Forest goals came from. Otherwise, we played well and should have scored a few goals, particularly in the first half. Lima looked good and we didn't have as much threat after him and Doyle were subbed off. Not as bad as the score suggests.
David: What chance have you got if you miss opportunities in the goal area? Wolves should have gone in at half time 3-2 up not 0-2 down. You can't afford to miss glaring opportunities from 6ft in this league.
Jon: We need defensive reinforcements desperately. We lack experienced heads, physicality and leadership at the back and it showed. We had some bright moments in the first half but lacked composure in the final third. Very tricky run coming up, this transfer window is crucial for us.
Nottingham Forest fans
Ben: Not the prettiest performance from Forest but they got the job done - 3-0 is a cracking result, however it gets achieved. They're going to need to step it up though with the possibility of European football on the cards.
James: Another lethal display from the best counter attacking team in the league backed up by a solid performance from everyone in the squad. A fitting tribute to Mr Clough on the 50th anniversary since the man walked through the door.
Matt: The sign of a great side. They don't have to go and dominate possession or create more chances. They have their game plan ready and are possibly the best counter attacking team in the league.
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Nottingham Forest player and boss Martin O'Neill spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live about the club's impressive form: "European football is definitely on the cards, and Champions League football is a possibility which I know sounds strange.
"When you have 40 points from 20 games, averaging two points a game, that is definitely Champions League form.
"When you consider where they were when Nuno Espirito Santo took over, it's remarkable - It's gathering so much momentum, that it's almost impossible to not start believing."
Image source, Getty ImagesNottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo speaking to BBC Sport after the win over Wolves: "We played good. We were organised and we had the luck of scoring really early, that settles us down. Wolves reacted well and Matz Sels was very good for us today to keep us in the game but overall it was a good performance."
On the confidence in the side: "We are OK. The performance and the results help with confidence - you saw Callum Hudson-Odoi today and Anthony Elanga they were confident and creating many problems. This is what we want to see from our players, to feel good on the pitch and to work hard. But before Liverpool we have Luton and we have to think about the FA Cup."
The key stats - did you know?
Nottingham Forest have won six consecutive Premier League games, the longest winning run (across all teams) in the competition this season. Meanwhile, it's the first time Forest have won six successive top-flight matches since May-September 1979 (7 in a row split across two seasons). This is the first time they have six successive wins within a single season since 1966-67 (two runs of six wins).
Forest sit third in the Premier League, behind Arsenal only on goal difference (level on 40 points each). Of the 70 teams to win 40+ points from their first 20 games in a Premier League campaign (prior to 2024-25), only four have failed to finish inside the top four at the end of the season.
Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?
Have your say on Wolves' performance
What did you make of Nottingham Forest's display?
Come back to this page on Tuesday to find a selection of your replies
Image source, Getty ImagesBBC chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.
Deeba asked: Which player has been the biggest surprise in the Premier League this season and why?
Phil answered: I would say Chris Wood at Nottingham Forest. He has taken his game to a completely new level under Nuno Espirito Santo and looks a top-class striker and finisher, with 11 Premier League goals already.
Great news for Nottingham Forest as he has been central to their wonderful season.
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.
For week 20, he takes on The Zutons frontman Dave McCabe, who supports Liverpool.
Sutton's prediction: 0-1
This is the Nuno Espirito Santo derby, with Nuno going back to Wolves where he did such a brilliant job between 2017 and 2021.
Nuno is doing even better with Nottingham Forest at the moment, but Wolves have hit a bit of form under new boss Vitor Pereira as well.
I saw Pereira do a little jig after his side got a late point at Tottenham. He seems a real character and his team are showing plenty of spirit too, but I am not sure they will carry the same threat now Matheus Cunha is suspended.
I was wrong when I said Forest would draw at Everton last time out so this time I am going to back them to take all three points.
As I've mentioned before, Forest were my boyhood club so it is great to see them doing so well.
It is like the late 1970s again, with them and Liverpool fighting it out at the top of the table. After this game, their next league match sees them play each other, with Forest looking to do the double after winning at Anfield in September.
Being honest, I don't see Forest staying at the top end of the table for too much longer but most of my predictions have been so bad this season so that is probably good news for them.
McCabe's prediction: 1-2
Forest are playing well and they should win this one too.
As we enter a new calendar year and the halfway point of the season, the Opta Supercomputer has been busy making its predictions.
But who has the best chance of securing Champions League football next season?
With England given a 97.8% chance of finishing in the top two of Uefa's coefficients rankings and receiving a bonus place in next season's competition, it is highly likely to be a race to finish in the top five of the Premier League this campaign.
One team essentially guaranteed a Champions League spot season, according to the Supercomputer's simulations, is high-flying league leaders Liverpool (100%).
Following closely on their heels are Arsenal and Chelsea, who occupy second and fourthgoing into this weekend's fixtures, with a 99.8% and 91.7% chance of finishing in the top five respectively.
Despite their unprecedented drop-off in form over the past two months, Manchester City fans will be pleased to hear Opta still gives them a 89.1% chance of clinching the potential final Champions League spot next season.
It then becomes a hotly fought battle between two of the most in-form teams in the league right now.
Despite third-placed Nottingham Forest's incredible campaign so far, Nuno Espirito Santo's side still fall below Newcastle United in the predictions for fifth place - with a 33.6% chance compared to the Magpies' 44.6%.
Four teams still have an outside chance of getting that coveted spot, with Aston Villa (13.8%), Bournemouth (9.8%), Fulham (6.2%) and Tottenham (5.4%) in the race.
