In preparation of his side's promotion push in the second-half of the season, Aitor Karanka will look to strengthen his Nottingham Forest side in January.

If that is to happen, players are going to have to depart the City Ground, with reports surfacing that senior duo Ben Watson and Liam Bridcutt could be set for a January exit.

The latter has made just three starting appearances this season, all of which coming in the Carabao Cup, and has made just one appearance in the Championship, coming off the bench.

Forest's captain Watson has been left out of the Reds' last four league games and has made just six starts for Forest this season.

The ageing duo are likely to move on in winter after being frozen out by Karanka, and here, we take a look at one winner and one loser if they do indeed depart.

Colback has been in and out of the first team this season, after being put in and replaced by Ben Watson numerous times this season.

But Watson's departure could finally mean that the holding midfield position next to Guedioura is now Colback's to keep, and could act as a massive vote of confidence for the Newcastle loanee.

If these senior players are being frozen out by the Spaniard, then where does this leave youngster Ryan Yates?

If Karanka is so keen on strengthening his squad in the summer, then it's highly unlikely that he'll turn to a player who has made just one senior appearance for Forest in his career.

The 20-year old is expected to leave on loan in January, with his first-team dreams fading away...