After a mixed start to his tenure of Nottingham Forest, Aitor Karanka knew that he would have had to make a host of additions to his side, with time running out in the January transfer window.

The Spaniard arrived at the City Ground with the club languishing in mid-table, although they did show signs of promise when they travelled to league leaders Wolves and won 2-0.

But a 3-0 home defeat to Preston North End the following week, just one day before the transfer deadline, only highlighted the fact that the squad needed strengthening, in order for the Reds to pick themselves up and climb up the table.

As expected, Karanka conducted an overhaul on deadline day, letting six players leave either permanently or on loan, and bringing in six too.

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Plenty of names caught the eye, with the likes of Jack Colback arriving from Newcastle United and Lee Tomlin coming in loan from Cardiff, whilst Adlene Guedioura returned to the City Ground on a free transfer following his release from Middlesbrough.

Here, though, we take a look at when the Reds announced the signing of Joe Lolley, for a reported fee of £500,000 from Premier League side Huddersfield Town.

This signing certainly divided opinions amongst the City Ground faithful when it was first announced. Lolley had been available at a cut-price having failed to make an impact under David Wagner in the Premier League.

The winger made just two starts in the top-flight for the Terriers before his move to the East Midlands, but clearly had talent having scored his first Premier League goal just a fortnight before signing for the Reds.

But having already conceded 46 goals in the league, some fans questioned if Lolley was actually needed, with defensive reinforcements surely the priority for Karanka?

But those fans who doubted if this signing should have been made have been made to eat their words. Lolley has become Forest's best player, and has been exceptional for the Reds this season.

The 26-year old went on to score only three goals for the Reds after his arrival last January, but he has been in incredible form this season, scoring nine goals and producing 11 assists.

Premier League side Watford reportedly declared an interest in the tricky playmaker in January, and Forest fans will be praying that Aston Villa do not reignite interest and line him up as a potential replacement for Jack Grealish in the summer.

Martin O'Neill is likely to overhaul his squad in the summer as he continued to mark his authority on the club, but Lolley is one player that the club will be desperate to keep.