A few weeks ago Nottingham Forest manager Aitor Karanka was a man under pressure, but he's slowly easing that. 

A big win and performance over Leeds United brought euphoria on New Year's Day, and you could definitely say Karanka has won over those above him.

For once in many years, the Reds can say they have some stability and it is time for Karanka to build.

Things at Forest are going well, but the feeling is they can definitely get better.

Lewis Grabban is firing on cylinders, while Jack Colback is excelling in midfield, earning himself so many plaudits, particualrly against Leeds.

However, there are a few areas Forest can definitely improve on, including the goalkeeper and back four, and maybe better depth.

Here, we look at the THREE players Aitor Karanka should bring to the City Ground immediately...

Tom Heaton 

The ex-England goalkeeper has hardly featured for Burnley since his injury and Nick Pope's rise to prominence, and a move to a Championship club could be on the agenda.

Romanian goalkeeper Costel Pantillimon has been questioned at times and many Forest fans have deemed him not good enough for a promotion-winning side.

Heaton could fix those problems and would sure up Forest's defence, which could put them on course for promotion.

Josh Maja 

Josh Maja has set the world alight at the Stadium of Light this season and has attracted interest from all over the country, so it would take a big effort for Forest or any other Championship club to acquire his services.

Despite this, if the player acted logically, a move to the Championship would be better for his development, rather than a move to a club of the stature of City or Spurs, where he would play in the cups at best.

He would offer a new dynamic to Forest's attack, and would be Grabban's long-term replacement.

Matt Clarke 

Matt Clarke has continued to impress in the heart of Portsmouth's back line and he could be tempted to step up a level to a Championship club, although it looks like he may do so organically by getting Pompey promoted.

One of Forest's troubled areas this season has been the defence, particularly the left hand side of it, and Clarke would be a perfect suitor - young, stable, good on and off the ball. He would be perfect, but whether Forest could get him is unknown.