Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has said talks over new deals with three of the club’s most important players are “going well”.
Full-back Ola Aina has been linked with Manchester City and his contract will expire at the end of the season, when the tenure of 12-goal top scorer Chris Wood also expires.
“I hope everything comes to a good (conclusion),” said Santo, who was also asked about talks between Forest and Murillo to extend the centre-back’s contract beyond 2028.
“I think things are going well. The people who are responsible for that part of the club are taking care of this.
“It helps when a player is happy at a club and there are no problems when it comes to changing what we want: we want our players to feel good and we provide them with the right environment, but then they have to do their job on the field. “
The focus turns to the @EmiratesFACup. 🔜 pic.twitter.com/cR9IT7fQdJ
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) January 8, 2025
Aina, Murillo and Madera ‘happy’ in the Forest
Aina and Murillo have been almost always present during Forest’s first 20 league games of the season, with only Arsenal bettering their record of 19 goals conceded.
Wood’s 12 goals make the 33-year-old the top-flight’s sixth top scorer, helped by a run of eight in 10 games to start the season.
“What I see is that they are happy,” Santo said, adding that the visit of second division team Luton Town in the FA Cup third round on Saturday (15:00 GMT) is a “good opportunity” for them to the players on the squad “have fun.” and do your job well.”
“They are fine and working very well. We are going to make changes because every player deserves to start the game. We see them work and we demand a lot from them.”
You will never beat Murillo. 🎶⛔️ pic.twitter.com/c34qLa7eEx
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) January 7, 2025
Forest v Luton
despite being third in the first divisionSanto said the strong team spirit evident among his players “is still not good enough.”
“We still have things to work on,” he argued. “But these special moments mean a lot to everyone and the team. “When they have these special moments, everyone sees how happy they are.”
Forest are on a six-game winning streak and are aiming to advance past the FA Cup quarter-finals for the fourth time since reaching the final. end in the 1990/91 season, when they lost 2-1 against Tottenham.
