Hughton staying quiet on claims of a double reunion

MURRAY AND GOSLING ARE LINKED WITH FOREST MOVE

FOREST boss Chris Hughton would not be drawn on suggestions that the club has expressed an interest in two players he has worked with in the past.

Reports claim Bournemouth midfielder Dan Gosling, who Hughton managed when they were both with Newcastle United, has turned down a move to the Reds following talks.

Meanwhile, Forest are understood to be keen to sign striker Glenn Murray, who was also on the club’s radar last January.

The 37-year-old is currently on loan with Watford from Brighton & Hove Albion but has been struggling for game time. A reunion with Hughton, following their time together on the south coast, could be on the cards.

Murray has scored 50 goals in more than 150 League and cup appearances for Brighton.

“They are two players I have signed in the past,” said the Reds manager, who will lead in his team to Barnsley in the Championship tomorrow.

“As regards speculation, there are always going to be names who have been associated with you in the past that will come up again.

“We are continuing, right through to the last period that we can, to have the best squad that we can.

“There will be lots of names linked. We will never deny or confirm any of the names because it’s not the appropriate thing to do.

“The appropriate thing to do, as we have done with Filip (Krovinovic) coming in, is to speak about it when something happens.

“Otherwise, if you speak about something which potentially might happen and then it doesn’t, you’re giving out the wrong advice.

“We are continuing to try to do the best we can. Let’s hope.”

Clubs have until 11pm on Monday to complete any business, with Forest looking to strengthen further.

So far this month, they have brought in midfielder Krovinovic on loan from Benfica and extended winger Anthony Knockaert’s loan spell from Fulham.

Hughton remains keen to bolster his attacking resources as his team have struggled both to score goals and create chances.

It is a problem which has left them battling at the wrong end of the table. They currently sit in 20th spot, two points above the relegation zone.

“We are hoping to do more. We want the best squad we can come the end of the window,” said Hughton.

“But what you get used to as a manager is, when that time comes when the window closes, this is what you’ve got. This is the squad.

“You might have missed out on something. There might be a twinge of disappointment over something that you maybe missed out on.

“But as soon as the window closes you’re very much focused on, ‘this is the squad we’ve got and this is the work we’re going to do with the squad.’

“There is always a bit of relief at the end because it means you can fully concentrate on what you need to concentrate on.”