Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo said talks over new deals with three of the club's most important players are “going well”.
Full-back Ola Aina has been linked with a move to Manchester City and his contract expires at the end of the season, when he tops the scoring charts with 12 goals. Chris Wood Terms also expire.
“I hope it all comes to a good (result),” said Santo, who was also asked about discussions between Forest and Murillo to extend the centre-back's contract beyond 2028.
“I think things are going well. The people in charge of this part of the club are taking care of it.
“It helps if the player is happy at the club and there are no problems in terms of changing what we want: we want our players to feel good and provide them with the right atmosphere, but then they have to do their job on the pitch.”
The focus shifts to @EmiratesFACup. 🔜 pic.twitter.com/cR9IT7fQdJ
– Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) January 8, 2025
Aina, Murillo, Wood are “happy” at Forest
Aina and Murillo have been nearly ubiquitous for Forest's first 20 league games this season, with only Arsenal bettering their record tally of 19 goals.
Wood's 12 goals make the 33-year-old the Premier League's sixth-highest scorer, with eight assists in 10 appearances at the start of the season.
“What I see is that they are happy,” Santo said, adding that the visit of strugglers Luton Town to the Premier League would make them happy. FA Cup third round Saturday (3pm GMT) represents a “good opportunity” for the team's players to “enjoy themselves and do their job properly”.
“They are fine and working very well. We will make changes because every player deserves to start the match. We see them working and we are asking a lot.”
You'll never beat Morello. 🎶⛔️ pic.twitter.com/c34qLa7eEx
– Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) January 7, 2025
Forest v Luton
Although it is Third in the Premier LeagueSanto said the strong team spirit evident among his players “is not good enough yet.”
“We still have things to work on,” he added. “But these special moments mean a lot to everyone and the team. When they have these special moments, everyone sees how happy they are.”
Forest have won six games in a row and are aiming to progress beyond the FA Cup quarter-finals for the fourth time since reaching the quarter-finals. last In the 1990-1991 season, when they lost 2-1 to Tottenham.
