According to a transfer report in the Northern Echo, Aitor Karanka has identified Adam Clayton and Patrick Bamford as two top transfer targets for Nottingham Forest, following the 44-year-old’s appointment at the City Ground.

Forest moved to appoint Karanka as Mark Warburton’s permanent successor earlier this week, with the Spanish boss already looking to tinker with his playing squad, lining up a move for Middlesbrough duo, Clayton and Bamford.

Karanka’s last job in football came at Boro, where he worked with both Clayton and Bamford, with the former a key part of the side he won promotion with during the 2015/16 campaign.

Clayton finds himself out of favour at the Riverside this season, and is yet to start under Tony Pulis. The 28-year-old midfielder featured in 43 Championship fixtures during Boro’s promotion campaign, whilst also featuring regularly under Karanka last season in the Premier League.

Bamford was not part of Boro’s promotion-winning squad, but did play under Karanka at the Riverside Stadium.

Whilst Forest, who currently sit 14^th in the Championship table, can afford a permanent move for Clayton, the likelihood is they could explore the option of taking Bamford on-loan this month, with the 24-year-old finding himself behind the likes of Britt Assombalonga at the Riverside Stadium.

The Verdict  

Links between Karanka and his former Boro players were to be expected, and if Forest can land either of Clayton or Bamford, it would be some coup.

The duo are established Championship players, and the best spells of their respective careers have come under Karanka’s management.

It could be a deal that both manger and player are keen on this month.

Nottingham Forest fans… Let us know your thoughts!