Nuno issues Nottingham Forest response as Man City eye Morgan Gibbs-White

Nuno Espirito Santo is keen for Nottingham Forest to once again retain their star players in the summer so the club can continue to progress.

Twelve months ago, the Portuguese emphasised the importance of keeping the “core” of his squad together as the Reds approached a big summer transfer window. And he is eager for the same to happen again - particularly given the prospect of playing in the Champions League next term.

This week has seen speculation about Morgan Gibbs-White, with Manchester City said to have the England international on their radar as a potential replacement for the departing Kevin De Bruyne. Nuno, though, believes he has a group of players who “enjoy” being at the City Ground.

“The speculation is always there,” he said. “It’s not us. Normally when teams perform well, the players get attention. But I really believe our players are all focused on the task ahead.

“You can not ever be relaxed. You always have to be aware of things. But Forest is a huge club and I think the players enjoy being here. We have to keep them so that we can grow together – as players, as a team and as a club.”

Ahead of Saturday's clash with Everton at the City Ground (3pm kick-off), Forest are third in the Premier League table with seven games remaining. There is every chance they will be testing themselves in Europe's elite club competition in 2025/26.

Asked if being in the Champions League could make a difference when it comes to hanging on to players this summer, Nuno said: “You never know. That’s not the major issue. The major issue is that the player wants to be here.

“This is what really counts. We are doing well as a club and providing the players with all the needs necessary for them to compete and work in a nice environment. We are a big club.

"The City Ground is the best stage ever. It (Champions League qualification) is in our hands. What we have to focus on is how we are going to do it. It’s going to be tough."