Nottingham Forest have endured a rollercoaster of a season in the Championship.

Steve Cooper was appointed following a disastrous start to the campaign under Chris Hughton that saw the team bottom of the table.

But an incredible turnaround under the Englishman saw the Reds climb the table before eventually earning a play-off place.

Victories over Sheffield United and Huddersfield Town led to the team earning a historic promotion for the club.

Forest are now preparing for life in the Premier League for the first time since their 1999 relegation.

That promotion could also see bright stars such as Brennan Johnson commit his future to the Reds despite January speculation he could leave this summer.

But the squad will also need to be improved to maintain their survival in the top flight, which could signal a very busy summer ahead for Cooper.

Here are eight second division players that Forest could realistically target this summer transfer window… 

Spence spent the season on loan from Middlesbrough and became a crucial player in Cooper’s side.

He should be seen as an ideal target to come into the club as a permanent signing, which Forest are hoping to come to an agreement on.

However, competition from Tottenham Hotspur does raise doubts over the likelihood of the deal going through, but the Reds should be in the driving seat given their history with the exciting full-back.

Zinckernagel also spent the campaign on loan at the City Ground from Watford, where the playmaker proved to be an important player in Cooper’s team.

The 27-year old would be a solid signing to bring into the squad on a permanent basis.

He understands the team well and has built a good rapport with his teammates. He could offer Cooper something different going forward and would be a great option to have in rotation and off the bench.

Gyokeres had an excellent season for Coventry City and now looks ready to take the step up to the top level.

The Swedish striker scored 17 times for the Sky Blues in the Championship as Mark Robins’ side finished 12th in the table.

His five assists also showed he can contribute both goals and goal creation, which would make him an ideal addition to Cooper’s attacking options next season.

That they can offer him Premier League football also makes this an attainable transfer target, should the Reds show an interest.

The Swansea City centre back could be a really good addition to Cooper’s side. The 22-year old has developed nicely into a strong defender with great talent on the ball.

He would fit well into this current Forest side, but he could come at a premium cost.

Swansea have shown a willingness in recent years to part with important players, but Russell Martin will not want to do so easily.

However, this could be a great long-term fit for Forest’s defensive options and the Welshman looks capable of making the jump to the Premier League.

If Forest miss out on the signing of Spence, then Aarons represents a great alternative option who should be available this window.

While Norwich endured a wretched season back in the top flight, the full back was one of the better performers for the Canaries in the last 12 months.

He would fit in well taking up Spence’s role as he can bring that similar style of aggressive forward movement to the team and he could even be available at a reasonable cost.

The Chile international had a standout season for Blackburn Rovers, scoring 22 times as Tony Mowbray’s side finished 8th in the table.

The forward has shown he is ready to be given a chance with a Premier League side and Forest could be an ideal fit.

The team will need a proven goal scorer with long-term potential, which Diaz represents.

At 23-year old, he would be a great fit for Cooper’s youth movement at the City Ground.

!--nextpage-->

Another key Blackburn player that could yet be available this summer is Rothwell, whose contract expires at the end of the month.

No decision has yet been made on his future, but a move to Forest should definitely be considered.

The midfielder could take James Garner’s place in the side, with the youngster having returned to his parent club following the conclusion of the campaign.

Rothwell’s performances this season have also shown that he looks ready to earn some top flight experience.

!--nextpage-->

With Brice Samba potentially seeking an exit away from the club, Forest could be on the market for a new first choice goalkeeper.

Pope would be a great choice for the role having spent the last few years impressing in goals for Burnley.

The 30-year old still has plenty of years left at the top and his performances for the Clarets have even earned him a call-up to the England national side.

While he would likely be an expensive signing, he could be a great upgrade on the current options.