A very busy summer is expected at Nottingham Forest as Aitor Karanka looks to shape a squad that can challenge at the top end of the table.

The former Middlesbrough manager took over at the City Ground in January and will have spent the past few months assessing the players.

In that time, results have been very mixed for the Reds. Therefore, a lot of transfer activity is sure to happen in the coming months.

One man heavily linked with Forest is experienced midfielder Dean Marney.

However, given his age and injury status over the years, this has understandably concerned some fans.

Here we look at three midfielders Forest should go for instead of the former Spurs man...

If Karanka wants an experienced midfielder then he should go back to his former club.

Clayton was influential for the Spaniard and could be available in the summer. Clayton still has a lot to offer in the midfield and would bring a winning mentality and strength to the team.

With Ben Watson already at the club, do Forest really need another defensive-minded midfielder?

The lack of creativity by the Reds has been alarming in recent months and Freeman would solve that.

It would be a big ask to convince him to swap Loftus Road for the City Ground but he is exactly the sort of player Forest need.

Forest need quality over quantity this summer.

Whilst Saville is another that would need convincing to move given Millwall's form, Forest should pay more than the London outfit.

The former Wolves man has been a revelation this season and boasts a great all-round game and has chipped in with ten goals this season. He would bring balance to Forest's midfield and would be a key player.