Club could become loan stars in future

AITOR Karanka believes the ambition Nottingham Forest have shown during the transfer window will make them a more attractive proposition for future additions.

And the Reds boss expects there to be plenty of loan opportunities available to Championship clubs, now that Premier League sides have finalised their squads.

Forest continue to work to sign Sam Byram, the West Ham defender, after pushing hard to land the 24-year-old prior to Thursday’s 5pm deadline.

And they remain hopeful of agreeing a deal to land the former Leeds man in the near future.

But Karanka does not rule out doing further business beyond that, if the right opportunity comes along.

“Yes, the end of the window could open up opportunities in the Premier League,” said Karanka. “I think we are also an attractive team to come to. Following our performance on television on Tuesday, we showed everyone that we can play well and that we have good attacking movement and intensity.

“Let’s see. If nobody arrives, it will not be a problem, because I have the squad I wanted to have and with this squad we will fight in every single game.

“Maybe players can come because it will be a good opportunity for everyone. We need to keep calm, we know how well the club has been working since last season finished.

“We will stay calm and keep working on and off the pitch.”

Karanka is hopeful that some of the club’s fringe players, including the likes of Stephen Henderson, Jamie Ward, Zach Clough and Apostolos Vellios can still secure moves, either during the loan window or with the European transfer market still being open.

But he says his own priority has been to focus on preparing for games and on the search for new additions.