Nottingham Forest are coasting towards a mid-table finish, with new boss Aitor Karanka counting down the days until his preparations for the new year can get under way.

The Spaniard has steadied a ship that was sinking under Mark Warburton and will only be truly judged for his performance when the Reds take to the field in August following a summer in which he will be allocated the funds to improve his squad.

Changes were made in January but Karanka will have the time to acquire the men he feels can take Forest to the next level, with his attentions sure to turn to the Premier League.

To stretch his budget, Karanka should consider cut-price deals for this out-of-favour top flight pair who still have plenty to offer at Championship level…

Karanka is likely to be in the market for a goalkeeper with Costel Pantilimon set to return to Watford following the expiration of his loan deal and Grant could be open to a switch from Stoke City having made just three appearances this year.

Formerly of the Reds’ fierce rivals Derby County, fans would surely put aside their former resentment for the player due to his undeniable ability and experience at second tier level.

The 35-year-old won’t sit on the bench at The Bet365 for another season and Forest could be a club on the rise should Karanka find the right formula in the summer.

Grant knows the division and would enjoy an excellent final few years of his career in the East Midlands, in a move which would surely appeal to the shot-stopper.

The German played an integral role in Huddersfield’s remarkable rise to the Premier League but has found opportunities difficult to come by following the Terriers big year of recruitment.

Just two substitute outings to his name in the league, the player’s career in West Yorkshire is coming to its close and Karanka must ensure he is amongst the pack that chases the former Greuther Furth man’s signature.

At twenty-seven, Hefele should be at the peak of his powers and would surely shine should he be provided with another opportunity to play regular second tier football.

Certain to be available for a bargain price should David Wagner’s men avoid relegation in the closing weeks of the campaign, Hefele is an option that would work extremely well within this Forest squad.

Forest fans, thoughts?