Nuno wants Aina stay at Forest

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has expressed his desire to retain Nigeria defender Ola Aina amid growing interest from Manchester City and Galatasaray, with the versatile full-back’s impressive performances attracting attention from multiple clubs, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Portuguese tactician emphasised the importance of maintaining squad stability during the January transfer window, with Aina’s contract situation attracting attention from potential suitors.

“You never know what is going to happen in the transfer window, but our goal is to keep our players intact,” Nuno told Sky Sports.

“That is difficult because clubs are looking at all the possibilities, with us included on that. This is our priority.”

The 28-year-old, whose current deal expires at the end of the 2024/25 season, can now negotiate with non-English clubs, with Turkish champions Galatasaray reportedly interested in securing his services.

Galatasaray reporter Kutlu Akpınar confirmed the club’s interest but admitted securing the defender’s signature could prove challenging.

“Galatasaray is looking for a right-back. One of these names is Ola Aina from Nottingham Forest,” Akpınar told TRT Spor. “Galatasaray have not made an official offer to this name yet, but he is one of the players they are interested in. I see it as a difficult transfer.”

Meanwhile, Premier League champions Manchester City are reportedly considering the Nigerian as a potential replacement for veteran right-back Kyle Walker, who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

City’s interest is particularly noteworthy given their traditional reluctance to conduct business in January. Since Pep Guardiola’s arrival in 2016, the club has made just two senior winter additions – Gabriel Jesus (£27m in 2017) and Aymeric Laporte (£57m in 2018).

Man City expert Steven McInerney believes signing Aina would be a “no-brainer” for the champions, particularly given his market value of €14m compared to other targets like Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, who would cost around €28m.

“Feels a no-brainer for me. Their contract expiring, at his peak, versatile, brilliant going forward, and solid defensively. I know he’s 28 but there’s a minimum of three years there and he’d be great value,” McInerney told Sportsmole.

“If we’re going to spend big amounts this summer, the big money should go in midfield. Aina is miles better than our current RB options and would be a good addition, letting us spend big in the genuinely crucial areas.”

The Chelsea academy graduate has been in impressive form this season, starting all 19 Premier League games and helping Forest climb to third place with 37 points, showcasing his attacking prowess with goals against West Ham and Brentford.

His performances, including a crucial goal-line clearance in Forest’s shock 1-0 win at Liverpool, earned him a place in Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher’s Team of the Season so far, with his stats outshining potential City target Robinson – scoring five goals in 75 EPL appearances compared to Robinson’s zero in 120.

Forest face a crucial period in negotiations, with fellow Nigerians Taiwo Awoniyi and Emmanuel Dennis also facing uncertain futures at the City Ground. Awoniyi has made just two league starts this season, while Dennis was not registered for the Premier League campaign.

The club’s determination to retain Aina reflects his importance to their European ambitions, with the defender’s versatility and consistent displays making him a key figure in their push for continental qualification.