Nottingham Forest have showed signs of progression under new boss Aitor Karanka, with the Spaniard leading the Reds to a comfortable mid-table finish.

However, improvements are certainly needed in the summer months, with the former Middlesbrough boss certain to stretch his muscles in the transfer market as he attempts to improve upon his current options.

Going forward is certainly an area of concern, with young striker Ben Brereton failing to deliver the goods.

The academy graduate may be excused but just a handful of league goals and sentiment will not fly with Karanka, with this quartet sure to emerge as targets...

The Cheltenham striker has emerged as a star of the Football League this term, bagging over twenty goals as the Robins look set to seal their status in the fourth tier for another season.

The 23-year-old is one of the form men of English football and won't be with the Gloucestershire-based side for much longer, with talents as exceptional as his certain to be picked up on by teams higher up the leagues.

The Sudan-born man looks set for a bright career and needs to be handed an opportunity, something Karanka may be willing to do given the nominal fee he will have to fork out for the player.

A wildcard, but one that could be a revelation.

The seasoned striker would shine in the second-tier and could be on the move again when he returns to Leicester City from a loan spell with Brighton.

Only thirty-one, Ulloa has plenty to offer and Karanka will be well aware of the Argentine's talents, with his power and prowess a deadly weapon at any level of the game.

His career with the Foxes is over and if Karanka can convince the player of his aspirations at The City Ground, then he could prove to be an aspired signing.

Could Karanka be tempted into a reunion with the Middlesbrough striker?

The Benin international has struggled with injuries this term and been kept out of the side by the free-scoring Patrick Bamford and Britt Assombalonga, with a move looking likely given new boss Tony Pulis hasn't shown him much favour since his appointment.

Gestede could be available for around £5 million which is a sizeable, but achievable outlay for a club of Forest's stature but he could be the beacon at the top of the field that Forest thrive upon.

Deadly on his day, Gestede could prove to be a solid replacement for Assombalonga, the man that essentially replaced him at The Riverside.

The young Rangers striker has performed well since joining the Gers from Finnish side HJK in the summer, with manager Graeme Murty managing to draw the best from the promising youngster.

The 21-year-old is approaching the fifteen league goal mark which represents a solid first season in British football and could be ready for a move south of the border in the coming months.

Full of potential, the Colombian will have aspirations to one day break into the national side, and a switch to the English second-tier is the next step upon his journey.

Could Karanka, who speaks the same native tongue as the player, draw the best from him?

Forest fans, thoughts?