Aitor Karanka left his post as Nottingham Forest manager on Friday morning after a saga that loomed over the club during the Christmas period.

The Spanish coach’s departure infuriated fans of the Reds, who have overseen Karanka lead them out of a terrible decade into better times, with the club not far off the play-offs.

Whoever takes the reigns has a massive job on their hands to get the best out of Forest, and he could use the January window to do so.

Due to the flawed transfer policy in recent years, Forest have a massive squad. Some of the signings haven’t worked out and there is a lot of deadwood for Forest to offload.

January could be a time to do that, and there is also expected to be a few arrivals at the City Ground.

Here, we look at THREE players we think could realistically leave the club by the end of the January transfer window, due to a lack of game time and also to raise money.

Do you agree, or can you see any other players being axed in the month of January? Let us know in the comments below if so.

Jamie Ward

Jamie Ward has been frozen out at Forest.

The Northern Irish forward enjoyed a positive stint at Charlton Athletic but is back on the Forest books.

He may have to look at a club of Charlton’s level again, but Ward’s departure in January seems highly likely.

Liam Bridcutt

Liam Bridcutt, 29, is very far down the pecking order at Forest, with the likes of Jack Colback and Claudio Yacob preferred ahead of him.

The ex-Leeds and Brighton star is reaching the end of his career now, and a move away from Forest seems to be the best option.

Zach Clough

Zach Clough is another, like Jamie Ward, who was retained at the club following loan moves last season.

Similar to Ward, Clough has struggled for minutes this season and will certainly look for a move this month, as he will desire first team minutes somewhere.

There is no doubt that Bolton cannot afford to welcome new players this month, so a return there would be off the cards, but Clough will seek a move.