Sky Bet Championship outfit Nottingham Forest will emerge from their transfer embargo this summer and once a new manager is in place, he will look towards adding players to what is already a pretty decent squad at the City Ground.

Despite leaving the transfer embargo firmly behind them Forest will be no doubt keen to get their house in order first, and big money signings are unlikely to take place just yet.

Forest will probably search high and low for a few bargains whilst adding one or two signings to their squad which do require a fee being paid to a particular club.

The Reds are likely to see a couple of player depart the club in the summer too and the squad may have a somewhat different feel to it come August.

Football League World writer Lee Clarke takes a look at FIVE free agents Forest could look to sign in the summer.......

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE FREE AGENTS!

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Sylvain Distin

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The Bournemouth central defender was signed by Eddie Howe just last summer on a one-year deal, and after playing just 12 games, he could find himself a free agent during the close season.

Distin is a veteran of over 350 Premier League appearances and could still do a job in the Sky Bet Championship for someone.

The Frenchman would provide some experienced cover for Nottingham Forest and could also act as a good replacement for Michael Mancienne if he is sold.

Whilst the ex-Everton man might be lacking in a bit of pace these days, his main attribute is how well he reads the game and that could make him a real asset in the second tier.

Tom Carroll

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The central midfielder has failed to hold down a regular starting spot for Tottenham Hotspur, and given their depth in that position, a new deal for Carroll looks very slim.

Carroll boasts Premier League experience at Swansea City and the odd game with Spurs, which would make his arrival at a Championship club exciting to say the least.

Still only 23-years-old Carroll still has his best years ahead of him yet and with Gary Gardner returning to Aston Villa following his loan spell, Forest have a void to fill in the middle of the park.

Wages may be a problem for the Reds as they will look to work under a smaller budget but the temptation of playing with a decent group of players could twist his arm.

Jack Payne

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Technically Payne will still cost Nottingham Forest a fee as he is under the age of 24 but with him being out of contract, he makes the list.

Payne has been in superb form for Southend United this season and looks set for a move to the Sky Bet Championship during the summer.

The 21-year-old is technically gifted and is a real bundle of energy in the middle of the park, with the youngster also possessing the ability to play further forward in attack too.

Forest would face stiff competition from the likes of Ipswich, Wolves and Huddersfield should the club look to press ahead with a move.

Joao Carlos Teixeira

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The Liverpool starlet is probably going to move abroad in all honesty, but if Forest could possibly prise him to the City Ground it would be a great signing.

The creative Portuguese player was a success during a loan spell with Brighton and Hove Albion during the 2014/15 campaign, with the experience no doubt putting him in good stead for the future.

The 23-year-old might be deemed by some as a little bit lightweight for the Championship but he could be a luxury player that every team can utilise in their side.

Teixeira knows where the back of the net is too and has several qualities which would make him a shrewd Championship signing.

Adam Le Fondre

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The striker recently released by Wolverhampton Wanderers is just the type of striker Forest need to partner Britt Assombalonga.

The ex-Peterborough United striker likes to play in the box and Le Fondre is the sort of player who will drop a little deeper and do the hard work for the team.

The forward is still only 29-years-old and will surely get another Championship club and his unsuccessful spell at Wolves will probably mean his wages won’t cost a bomb either.

Forest will still be looking to keep a tight hold of the purse strings this summer, after emerging from their embargo and Le Fondre would be a solid signing for the club.