Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo said talks over new contracts with three of the club’s key players are “going well”.
Full-back Ola Aina has been linked with Manchester City and is out of contract at the end of the season, having been top scorer with 12 goals Chris Woods The terms also expire.
“I hope everything comes to a good (conclusion),” said Santo, who was also asked about talks between Forest and Murillo about extending the centre-back’s contract beyond 2028.
“I think things are going well. Those responsible for this part of the club are taking care of it.
“It helps when a player is happy at a club and there are no problems changing what we want: we want our players to feel comfortable and we provide the right atmosphere, but then they have to be on the pitch do their job.” ”
The focus is on the @EmiratesFACup. 🔜 pic.twitter.com/cR9IT7fQdJ
– Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) January 8, 2025
Aina, Murillo, Wood “happy” in the Forest
Aina and Murillo featured in most of Forest’s first 20 league games of the season, with only Arsenal bettering their record of 19 goals conceded.
Wood’s 12 goals make the 33-year-old the sixth top scorer in the top flight, helped by a run of eight in 10 games at the start of the season.
“What I see is that they are happy,” said Santo, adding that the visit of second division club Luton Town in the Third round of the FA Cup on Saturday (3pm GMT) was a “good chance” for the squad players to “enjoy themselves and do their job properly”.
“They are fine and work very well. We will make changes because every player deserves to be in the starting line-up. We see that they are working and we demand a lot.”
You’ll never beat Murillo. 🎶⛔️ pic.twitter.com/c34qLa7eEx
– Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) January 7, 2025
Forest v Luton
Although it is Third in the Premier LeagueSanto said his players’ obviously strong team spirit was “not yet good enough.”
“We still have things to work on,” he argued. “But these special moments mean a lot for everyone and the team. When they experience these special moments, everyone sees how happy they are.”
Forest are on a six-game winning streak and aiming to progress beyond the quarter-finals for the fourth time since reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals final 1990/91 when they lost 2-1 to Tottenham.
