Nottingham Forest are safe this season but need to show more consistency next season if they are to push themselves further up the league table.

Aitor Karanka is likely to be a busy man in the summer transfer window as he looks to revamp this Nottingham Forest squad and push his side into the top half at the very least.

Karanka brought in plenty of players in the January transfer window, mainly on loan and free transfers, which showed that he is not entirely happy with the squad he has inherited from Mark Warburton at The City Ground.

The Spaniard is undoubtedly looking to add at least half a dozen more names to his squad this summer and some of his rebuilding project will have to be done with loans and free transfers again.

Here are FIVE free agents that Nottingham Forest should consider signing this summer to bolster their squad.

Nottingham Forest have been constantly linked with Michael Dawson after launching a bid for him in January.

But with the 34-year-old's contract coming to an end at Hull, he is likely to leave the KCOM Stadium and take up the two year offer that Forest have reportedly prepared for him.

Dawson is a major upgrade on the likes of Michael Mancienne and Danny Fox and it could be an emotional return to the club where the former England and Tottenham centre back started his career.

If Forest fail to sign Dawson (or even if they do), then James Collins is another veteran defender who can add experience at the back.

West Ham are not looking likely to offer the Wales international a new deal with options like Winston Reid, Angelo Ogbonna, Declan Rice, Cheikhou Kouyate, Reece Burke and Reece Oxford on their books.

The 34-year-old still has a few years of service left and he always gives his all with passionate and physical performances at the back.

Another Colback replacement could be Karanka favourite Grant Leadbitter.

Karanka worked with the 32-year-old during their time together at Middlesbrough and he could bring the central midfielder to Forest to add experience to his midfield.

With over 450 career appearances, Leadbitter knows this level inside and out but he could be leaving Boro this summer.

Nottingham Forest added Joe Lolley to their squad in January and his creativity in midfield has significantly improved Karanka's options.

You feel that the reds need one more winger to add competition for places and Jordan Graham could be a wildcard signing that pays off.

The 23-year-old was one of the most devastating attacking talents in the Championship two years ago but he needs a fresh start after a long injury lay-off.

Karanka will almost certainly sign one or two strikers this summer and they should consider Millwall's Lee Gregory.

The 29-year-old impressed in the third tier and his tally of 10 goals has helped spearhead their promotion push this season.

The Lions have an option to extend Gregory's deal by one year and they will be desperate to do so but that shouldn't stop Forest offering him a contract.