Nottingham Forest's season has been full of ups and downs but ultimately consistency has cost them any hope of competing in the top half of the table and pushing for the play-offs.

The Reds will be hoping that Aitor Karanka is busy in the upcoming summer transfer window as a major summer clear-out is expected.

The ultimate goal will be to win promotion back to the Premier League and Karanka will believe that he can achieve that, having previously done so with Middlesbrough.

In order to achieve this, a number of new players need to come in and improve the squad.

You can expect Nottingham Forest's starting XI next season to be significantly different to the team that Karanka has been fielding this year as he is given a full summer to revamp his squad and bring in his own players.

Here is the starting XI that Forest need to aim for next season to compete for promotion, including several new signings.

Towering 6ft 8in goalkeeper Pantilimon has impressed since his loan move to The City Ground in January.

Karanka will be keen to snap up the Romania international on a permanent deal.

The 31-year-old is experienced and commanding, which is exactly what the Reds need between the sticks.

After impressing recently, Forest might give Tendayi Darikwa some starts next season but they still need to sign another right-back if Eric Lichaj leaves.

Kelly, available on a free transfer this summer, would be a perfect, cheap option.

The 28-year-old has plenty of top flight experience which would add a lot to this Forest squad.

January arrival Figueiredo has been a revelation since joining on loan and Forest have already secured his permanent services.

The 24-year-old has helped shore things up at the back for Karanka's men.

Forest need to build their defence around the impressive Portugal youth international next season.

Forest have been strongly linked with a move for Dawson this summer when his contract expires at Hull.

The 34-year-old started his career at Nottingham Forest and could end it there too.

The former England international boasts plenty of experience at the top level of the game and he still has plenty to offer on the pitch in terms of defensive contributions and leadership.

Left-back is another area where Forest need to add at least one player and Everton's Garbutt would be a smart signing.

The 24-year-old will be allowed to leave Everton this summer after failing to make a first team impact at Goodison Park.

But with Championship experience under his belt already from previous loan spells, Garbutt needs to make a move which will benefit his career.

Ben Watson has already become a fan favourite at Nottingham Forest, and he'll remain in the side next season.

Although he may not be the most exciting player around, Leadbitter would be a shrewd signing for Nottingham Forest.

The 32-year-old provides so much experience and always gives 100% in the middle of the park.

Having already played under Karanka in Middlesbrough's promotion-winning side, Leadbitter has the experience of getting out of this division and he is available on a free transfer.

Youngster Cash is improving with each game he plays and he could play a starring role next season.

The 20-year-old plays as a winger, central midfielder or even as a wing-back but he always gives his full commitment to the cause.

With Karanka likely to bring in another winger this summer, Cash needs to impress in pre-season to keep his place in the starting XI.

Attacking midfielder Tomlin is only on loan from Cardiff City but he is already a fans' favourite at The City Ground.

The 29-year-old has four goals and three assists in 11 starts for the Reds.

With so much Championship experience under his belt, Tomlin would be a shrewd permanent signing and Cardiff do not appear to need him.

Lolley joined Forest in January and he has already improved their attacking midfield options significantly.

The 25-year-old has three goals and two assists in 12 starts for the Reds since joining from Huddersfield and he has looked a constant threat from the wing.

You can expect Lolley to go from strength to strength next season in this side.

Nottingham Forest need a goal scoring striker as Ben Brereton is still young and learning, Daryl Murphy is getting old and is less prolific and Apostolos Vellios has been poor.

Peterborough striker Marriott would be the perfect addition for Forest.

The 23-year-old has 32 goals this season and will surely help fire Forest up the table with his goals.