Nottingham Forest must target 'outstanding' EFL ace with Everton and Fulham - Opinion

Nottingham Forest turned to Sean Dyche as their head coach back in October. He was picked as their replacement for Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked after a poor run of form. The Reds are currently looking to preserve their Premier League status.

They have the chance to bring in some new faces now the January transfer window is open for business. Dyche also has the opportunity to sell some players this winter. That would help free up space and funds in his ranks to pave the way for reinforcements.

Nottingham Forest should join race for Watford star Imran Louza

Watford star Imran Louza has caught the eye in the Championship so far in this campaign. He has made 23 appearances and has chipped in with six goals and five assists. His contract at Vicarage Road expires in June 2028 but the Hornets will face a battle to keep hold of him in the future amid expected attention from elsewhere.

Hs former boss Tom Cleverley said last season: “He’s been outstanding since he came into the team two or three months ago. The side to Imran that people don’t see is he’s played through pain a lot recently. He’s really showed character and leadership skills.”

Louza, 26, is wanted by Everton, Fulham, Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion this month, according to a report by TEAMtalk. Therefore, the race seems to be hotting up for his signature. Nottingham Forest should join the queue and try and lure him to the City Ground if possible.

The Morocco international, who has 15 caps to his name, has been on the books of Watford since joining them back in 2021. He has since played 120 matches for the Hertfordshire outfit and has found the net on 14 occasions. In addition, he has also been loaned out to FC Lorient in Ligue 1 before heading back to England.

Why Imran Louza would be ideal for Nottingham Forest as they aim for survival

Nottingham Forest could do with a bit more quality in the middle of the park as they aim to secure their top flight status for another year. Louza has a great left foot and would add good balance into the Reds’ midfield department. In addition, he would give Dyche’s side more competition and depth and another option to pick from.

It has been hard for them to balance their domestic duties with European football this term. They need more bodies to help deal with the workload of fixtures. Therefore, getting some players through the door over the coming weeks has to be a priority.

Prior to his switch to Watford, Louza rose up through the ranks at Nantes. He was a regular for them at various different youth levels before making the step up to their first-team. The Nantes-born man went on to play 67 games for his local team and bagged on 12 occasions.

The Hornets are in the play-offs after an impressive run of form in the second tier. They are inside the top six along with Middlesbrough, Hull City and Preston North End. Javi Gracia was brought back as their manager last year and has since done an eye-catching job.