Hughton refuses to be drawn on late deals
If we don’t add, certainly I’m happy with the squad we have.
Chris Hughton
NOTTINGHAM Forest manager Chris Hughton has refused to be drawn on potential transfers for Harry Wilson and Anthony Knockaert.
Liverpool winger Wilson and Fulham wide man Knockaert are widely reported as being Forest’s top transfer targets before today’s 5pm transfer deadline with a deal for Knockaert looking more likely.
Newcastle’s Christian Atsu and West Brom’s Kamil Grosiki are also in contention.
Hughton says he understands why Knockaert has been linked given their work together at Brighton, when they won promotion to the Premier League.
However, he said it would be unwise for him to be drawn into conversations about specific players who belong to other clubs, with the Telegraph reporting a loan deal for Knockaert is close.
“They’re not our players. I’ve learned over the years that if you say yes or no to one player you open yourself up,” he said.
“These are things you learn over a period of time. It’s speculation. The Knockaert one is because of my connection with him before.
“I’m quite sure that by the end of Friday, I’ll be very happy with the squad I’ve got.”
Hughton would like to add to his squad before the window closes until January, with a winger understood to be the top priority.
However, if no new additions are forthcoming then he says he will be happy with the players he has inherited from Sabri Lamouchi.
“I’ve not (been on the phone about transfers). My biggest responsibility is what I’ve got here,” he said.
“When it gets to 5pm on Friday, as a manager, as regards your squad, this is what you have. That’s quite a nice feeling - to know that’s what you have to work with. I’m very happy with the squad I’ve got now. If it was right for us to add to it then I’m sure the club would support that. If we don’t add, certainly I’m happy with the squad we have.”
Forest have signed 13 players this summer with Joao Carvalho
Albert Adomah, Tiago Silva, Yohan Benalouane and Nuno Da Costa all leaving on loan or permanently. There is still the prospect of the likes of Michael Hefele, Zach Clough and Gaetan Bong going before the window closes, given Hughton currently has 30 senior players.