Murray link is played down by Reds boss Hughton
STRIKER TRANSFER TALK IS DISMISSED AS SPECULATION
NOTTINGHAM Forest boss Chris Hughton has played down reports linking him with a move for striker Glenn Murray in the January transfer window.
The Reds were last week said to be keeping an eye on the Brighton & Hove Albion forward who is currently on loan at Watford but is struggling for game time.
Murray played under Hughton at Brighton but is tipped to leave the Hornets, although he is reportedly eager to stay in the south.
While the Forest boss understood why he is being linked with Murray given the pair’s history, he said no move was imminent.
“I would imagine it’s very much to do with my connection with him and certainly at the moment, this is just speculation,” he said.
Forest have already added to their squad this month, having landed Filip Krovinovic on loan from Benfica until the end of the season.
The midfielder has been brought in to help improve Forest’s spark in the final third and is set to make his debut against Barnsley on Saturday.
But Hughton said the former West Brom loanee’s arrival would not be the last signing of the window providing the right player become available.
“If we’re able to do any more business then we will do,” said Hughton.
“But the January window is always very difficult so we will continue to work as hard as we can.”
Forest have struggled for goals this season and have suffered particular problems up front with Lewis Grabban and Lyle Taylor having scored six goals between them in the Championship so far.
Forest could be spared one transfer headache this month, when it comes to keeping hold of Joe Worrall.
The central defender has consistently been linked with a move to the Premier League with Burnley and that speculation only intensified when they were taken over recently.
However, the Clarets have now turned their attention to Stoke City defender Nathan Collins, according to The Sun, who say the latter has moved ahead of Worrall as their primary target.
The 19-year-old has been one of the Potters’ break-out stars of the 2020-21 campaign, making 19 appearances in the Championship after overcoming injury earlier in the season.
And his good form has reportedly alerted Arsenal and Burnley, who are both looking to make additions to their defensive ranks this month.
The Gunners are behind Burnley in the race for Collins, it is being reported, because the latter have the cash to hand to make the move.
Crystal Palace are also being credited with an interest in the player, while Manchester United are said to be admirers of the player who could reportedly leave for £10m, although Stoke City are said to be seeking more for a player who can also play as a right-back.
Burnley, who have just been taken over by American-backed ALK Capital, could see James Tarkowski depart the club with Leicester City and West Ham United linked with the centre-back.
Collins, meanwhile, is under contract until 2024 so Stoke are under no pressure to sell.
Reds boss Chris Hughton says he has no worries about Worrall’s head being turned by speculation over a move.
“I don’t worry. He would be one certainly who won’t be distracted,” he said.
“He is intelligent enough - as we all are - to know a lot of these things are out of our hands. A lot of what you hear is just speculation.
“The best way to look at it is speculation means you’re doing well. If you’re being linked with teams in a higher division it means you’re doing well.
“He’s clever enough to know it’s speculation.”