Nottingham Forest’s recent run of form will be a real concern, but speculation of Aitor Karanka potentially being sacked is certainly surprising.

The Reds have only won one of their last seven games in all competitions, and they were unable to build on the impressive win over Leeds, as they exited the FA Cup this weekend in a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea.

Karanka’s side are just four points adrift of the play-off places and will be hoping to close the gap on the top six at the weekend when they take on relegation threatened, Reading at the Madejski Stadium.

There are areas where Forest need to strengthen and it’s sure to be an important month ahead in this transfer window.

If Karanka gets this wrong, then he could potentially be dismissed before the end of the season, as Forest definitely need signings to strengthen their squad for a promotion push for the remaining five months of the season.

But who should Nottingham Forest be targeting this month?

Find out here…

Karl Darlow

Darlow has been frozen out of the Newcastle team this season and is yet to make an appearance for the Magpies in their league campaign.

He is far too good of an option to be wasting away in the under 23’s, and he’ll be keen to have his short-term future resolved at the earliest of opportunities.

Darlow has already been linked with a return to Nottingham Forest and would be the ideal goalkeeper to challenge Costel Pantilimon for a starting spot in Karanka’s side.

Ethan Ampadu

The Chelsea youngster is yet to make an appearance for the Blues in the Premier League this season, and he will surely be tempted by a loan move this month.

Ampadu is still at a young age where he needs regular game time to develop, and Nottingham Forest could certainly benefit from signing him.

He would certainly challenge the likes of Michael Dawson and Michael Hefele for a starting spot in Karanka’s side.

As the move would only be a loan move, it’s a win-win for Nottigham Forest and he should be one of their top targets in this month’s transfer window.

Christian Fuchs

The Leicester full-back has already been linked with a move to promotion rivals, Aston Villa this month, but Forest should definitely be eyeing a swoop for the Foxes defender.

Fuchs has only made one appearance in the Premier League for Claude Puel’s side and he surely isn’t satisfied with his current game time.

He played a starring role in Leicester’s title winning side but has fallen behind Ben Chilwell in the pecking order at the King Power Stadium.

He’d provide excellent competition for Jack Robinson in the left-back spot at Forest.