Nottingham Forest are in the midst of an abysmal run of form, with new manager Aitor Karanka severely struggling since taking over from Mark Warburton last month.

The Spaniard’s inability to install a new lease of life at The City Ground has seen the club slip closer to the bottom three with every passing week, and there will be those associated with the club that an unexpected relegation battle could be on their hands in the coming weeks.

However Karanka worked well in the January transfer window, and it is expected that those brought in will begin to settle over the course of the next few games, and form will begin to experience an upturn very soon.

Forest are likely to secure their status in the second tier for another year, and summer transfer priorities will focus upon building a squad capable of turning the former European Cup winners into a Premier League side once more.

Karanka must consider the following business if he is to achieve this next season…

A squad clear out is necessary, and the former Leicester City man will surely be the first out the door with his contract due to expire in June.

The 29-year-old is within his fourth year at The City Ground but has never asserted himself as a regular during his long spell in the East Midlands, and Karanka will surely call time on his career at the club.

Hobbs is young and will attract offers from plenty of clubs from across the Football League, but removing him from his squad will serve to benefit Karanka and his Nottingham Forest outfit as they plot for a promotion push next season.

Karanka must do everything in his power to ensure that Everton loanee Kieran Dowell is tied to the club on a permanent basis in the summer.

The 20-year-old England U20 World Cup winner has been in phenomenal form during his first year of regular first team football, and is approaching the fifteen combined goals and assists mark for the campaign with much of a third of the season remaining.

Dowell looks the real deal, but with Everton spending big on the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson and Wayne Rooney in recent times, is there room for this young playmaker in Sam Allardyce’s plans?

Time will tell, but if Dowell does become available, Karanka has to find the finances to fund a deal.

Forest could do a lot worse than the signing of experienced midfielder Gareth Barry, who is set to be a free agent in the summer with time ticking on his deal with West Bromwich Albion.

The 37-year-old is the all-time leading appearance maker in the Premier League and has seen it all during his 20 year career in the game, and could have a phenomenal influence upon a Forest squad littered with extremely talented young players.

Karanka can draw upon the effect John Terry has had at Aston Villa this season, with the former England and Chelsea captain’s vast pool of knowledge passed on to a squad similarly blessed with young potential, which is certainly paying dividends as the Villains fight for automatic promotion.

A season-long deal, perhaps with a side of coaching could benefit this club in the long-term, allowing youngsters like Ben Brereton, Matty Cash and Ben Osborn to flourish into the stars they are showing all the signs of becoming.

Forest fans, let us know your thoughts!