The genius Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa that would shake-up both Premier League squads

Nottingham Forest have the opportunity to bring in some reinforcements over the next few weeks. They are preparing for life in Europe next season. The Reds also have the chance to let some players head out the exit door as well to free up space and funds in their squad.

Nuno Espirito Santo has done an impressive job since he was picked as the replacement for Steve Cooper at The City Ground. The ex-Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur was brought in back in December 2023. He has since won 39% of his matches at the helm so far.

Nottingham Forest eye Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey

Nottingham Forest are in ‘pole position’ to sign Aston Villa attacking midfielder Jacob Ramsey, according to Football Insider. The ex-England international has been linked with an exit at Villa Park in this window. His future in the Midlands is up in the air at this moment in time.

Ramsey, 24, has risen up through Villa’s academy ranks and was a regular for them at various different youth levels. He was loaned out to Doncaster Rovers in the Football League as a youngster to get some experience under his belt and boost his development. Since his return from his temporary spell in Yorkshire, he has become a regular for his current club’s first-team.

The Birmingham-born man has made 167 appearances in all competitions and has scored 17 goals, four of which came in the last campaign. His contract expires in June 2027 so he still has two years left to run. Therefore, Aston Villa are under no pressure to sell him just yet and can wait for the right money to come in for his services.

Forest could see him as someone to boost their attacking department. If he joined, he would give them more competition and depth at the top end of the pitch which would come in handy, especially with the increased number of fixtures coming their way. In addition, he can give Nuno something different to call upon in games. It is yet to be known whether Morgan Gibbs-White will be sticking around so they need to weigh up potential replacements.

Nottingham Forest should offer Aston Villa swap deal possibility

In an attempt to secure their key target Ramsey, Nottingham Forest should try and offer Aston Villa a player in return plus cash for his signature. Step forward striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who could actually be a useful option for Unai Emery to have at his disposal if he went the other way as part of an agreement. He has been with the Reds for the last three years.

The ex-Liverpool man caught the eye in Germany with Union Berlin before his return to England in 2022. He has since scored 19 goals in 84 outings for the Reds. The forward can be handful to opposition defenders and his pace and power causes issues.

Awoniyi, 27, is a Nigeria international with 10 caps under his belt. A change of scene to Aston Villa would do him good and would provide him with a new challenge. Even though he wouldn’t get into their team ahead of Ollie Watkins, he would be strong back-up and a solid option to pick from if they needed a plan B.

He picked up a nasty abdominal injury near the end of last term but the club have since confirmed that he is recovering well. His immediate aim will be on getting back to complete full fitness. Once he is available though, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him moved on and getting him off the wage bill may be on Forest’s agenda.