Aitor Karanka is gearing up for a very busy summer as he looks to transform Nottingham Forest into promotion contenders after a tough first few months at the club.

The Spaniard took over in January and the club had a frustrating end to the previous campaign, failing to pick up consistent, positive results and struggling to score goals.

However, those few months have given the manager time to assess his squad and work out what he needs this summer.

It could see a lot of players arrive at the City Ground, which in turn will see many leave as he looks to balance up his squad.

Here we look at four potential deals that would show Forest mean business ahead of next season...

Whilst signing a 33-year old full-back isn't going to excite all fans, the reality is Hutton is in-demand, with Villa keen on keeping the defender and Rangers also interested.

Therefore, if Forest could get him it would show ambition and there's no doubt the former Spurs man can still play at this level as he is coming off the back of a fine season in the Championship.

The Benfica attacker is highly-rated and it would be a coup for the East Midlands side to land the 21-year old who has played seven times for the Portuguese giants.

He is also in the national team setup at U21 level and has real pace, trickery and skill that could see him trouble defenders in the Championship.

The Greek midfielder struggled to establish himself in the first-team last season and could be a long way from the first XI by August.

If Forest move him on it will mean they have brought midfielders in and in truth they need improvements in that area.

The striker didn't make too much of an impression whilst at Forest and was loaned to Rangers in January but wasn't completely convincing at Ibrox either.

He's back now but Forest need a proven number nine and when they arrive Cummings should be moved on.