The takeover at Nottingham Forest edges closer everyday with a US consortium led by John Jay Moores close to securing a deal with current owner Fawaz Al Hasawi. 

Forest fans will be hopeful that the takeover can be finalised before the January transfer window to allow current boss Philippe Montanier the chance to make any necessary signings.

The Reds have been in superb form recently winning their last three games which have included a big 5-2 win away at Barnsley, as well as securing all three points against top of the table Newcastle United.

After a disappointing start to the campaign, Philippe Montanier has turned things around, giving him an excellent chance of keeping his job when the new owners take control at the City Ground.

Keeping players fit, signing a few up with new contracts and some signings in January would give the East Midlands club a big chance of pushing for the top six this season.

So here are 3 deals that Montanier must ask the owners to secure in January...

 

Hildeberto Pereira

Hildeberto PereiraHildeberto Pereira

Since his arrival on loan in the summer, Pereira has already installed himself as a fan favourite at the City Ground.

The 20-year-old's flair, pace and skill is exceptional and he has already terrorised a number of Championship defences this season.

Although his discipline is a slight concern, with the youngster having three red cards to his name already, once he can sort this he will grow to be a key player.

Pereira will fit perfectly into the new back five that Montanier is adopted in recent weeks and he can be a big player for Forest this season.

Although Pereira has admitted that he would love to play for his parent club Benfica, Montanier should plead with the owners to sign him permanent.

Jordan Rhodes

Jordan RhodesJordan Rhodesc

It comes as no surprise that a number of Sky Bet Championship teams will be chasing Jordan Rhodes in January.

At Championship level, Rhodes is a natural goalscorer and he can be the key man in any side to fire a team to the Premier League.

For a player of Rhodes' quality it is surprising that he hasn't been given more of a chance in the Premier League with Middlesbrough this season.

Although Forest already have a number of talented strikers such as Britt Assombalonga, Nicklas Bendtner and Apostolos Vellios, signing Rhodes would guarantee them even more goals and he could be the man to take them to the next level.

Joey Barton

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Many Forest fans would sign Joey Barton in a flash whilst others wouldn't even consider the possibility.

For me, Barton, on his day, can be one of the most influential midfielders in the Championship, shown at Burnley last season.

Barton does bring the risk of causing trouble and with potential new owners coming he could be the last thing Forest need.

However, if Forest sign him for free after his release from Rangers and you get the Barton that played with heart, passion and leadership for Burnley last season then it might just be one of the coup's of the season.

Nottingham Forest fans... Would you sign any of these players? Who else would you want Montanier to sign in January? Do they need another striker? Let us know what you think in the comments below!