Aitor Karanka has endured a mixed start to life with Nottingham Forest, with the Spaniard surely beginning to face up to the size of the task at hand.

The ex-Middlesbrough boss has achieved his primary target of pulling Forest away from the relegation zone, as well as putting his own twist on personnel towards the end of the January transfer window.

However, results have hardly been impressive at the City Ground, despite some improved performances.

Karanka will realise there is plenty of work to do if he is to get Forest challenging for promotion next season, which will begin when the summer transfer window opens.

Forest have a competitive squad, but it needs improving, with real quality needed to be targeted.

Here at FLW, we take a look ahead to the end of the season, identifying THREE players we believe Forest need to have enquired about before July 1^st…

There is every chance that Forest will already be in talks with Watford about the possibility of extending Pantilimon’s stay at the City Ground, after a fine impact from the goalkeeper.

The 31-year-old has been superb for Karanka, and although his transfer might come at a cost, Forest won’t get anywhere without a consistent No.1.

Since Karanka took charge, there has been plenty to be positive about, particularly Forest’s improved defence.

However, goals remain a problem and Forest need to sign a striker in the summer.

Marriott has been League One’s standout goalscorer this season for Peterborough United, and Forest should be at the front of the queue to sign the 23-year-old in the summer.

Like Pantilimon, Figueiredo is on-loan at the City Ground and impressing.

Forest have been crying out for a central defender of Figueiredo’s quality for some time now and he must be signed permanently in the summer.

Karanka needs to move quickly to tie the 24-year-old down.

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