Nottingham Forest manager Dougie Freedman has stated that he is working hard on bringing two players to the club and they could be in place for Friday's Championship curtain raiser at Brighton and Hove Albion.

According to the Nottingham Post, Freedman, who is working within tight financial fair play restrictions, has identified two more additions to improve his squad and is working tirelessly to do so before the weekend.

FLW have been informed by a club insider at Forest that one of the players is believed to be Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner who is thought to be down the pecking order at Villa Park but did have a successful loan spell with the Reds last season.

The other is likely to be a striker but Freedman is determined to remain patient in his quest to bolster his squad.

He told the Nottingham Post: "I could go and get us a striker tomorrow but I am determined to make sure we bring the right players in.

"I have proved that I can go out there and bring a player in but what does that achieve?

"When I came to the club there was too many people here for the wrong reasons and that will change. I only want to bring good quality players, who want to play for Nottingham Forest here."

The signing of Villa midfielder Gardner would be seen as a real coup after the energetic player became a massive fan favourite with the Forest faithful last season.

By signing the 23-year-old alone it could really turn Forest from a mid-table side to one that can challenge for honours at the right end.

Forest fans... What do you make to Freedman's comments? Would you welcome Gardner? Who is the mystery striker going to be? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!