Expert: Nottingham Forest line up replacement for starting-XI star as Pereira 'concerned'

Nottingham Forest are tracking a number of potential replacements for Igor Jesus ahead of the summer transfer window as they hope to bolster their squad.

Vitor Pereira is believed to be concerned about his side’s lack of clinical finishers, with Chris Wood’s long-term absence proving to be a nightmare for Forest.

Much of their ambition will depend on whether they can achieve survival from the Premier League this season, as they remain in a close-fought relegation battle.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Jesus’ lack of goalscoring prowess has largely contributed to their problems.

As a result, work is already underway to bring in a new, more clinical striker ahead of what could be an important transfer window for Nottingham Forest.

Nottingham Forest eye Igor Jesus replacement

Brown told Football Insider on 23 February that Nottingham Forest plan to accept offers for Jesus and feel he no longer has a long-term future at the club.

He is currently the top scorer in the Europa League with seven goals, but that form has not translated to English football, where he has scored twice in 29 games.

That lack of goals has contributed to Forest’s struggles, and if they remain in the Premier League they plan to sign a new striker, with multiple options on their radar.

“Goalscoring has been a major issue for Nottingham Forest,” Brown told Football Insider.

“They’re going through games where they have more than 20 shots at goal and fail to score, or they score one and can’t follow up on it.

“Igor Jesus is a big reason for that, he hasn’t been good enough in front of goal and doesn’t look like he can cut it in the Premier League.

“Vitor Pereira is concerned about his performances and rightly so because if you’re down the bottom of the table and your striker isn’t scoring, you’re in trouble.

“Chris Wood has missed most of the season through injuries so they haven’t been able to rely on him like they did last season.

“They’re already working to identify new strikers they can bring in in the summer, but that’s going to depend on whether they’re in the Premier League.

“If they stay up, I’m certain it’s a position they’re going to address and they’ll already have players lined up as targets to replace the likes of Jesus.”

Which clubs are interested in signing Jesus?

With Forest planning to sign a new striker to replace Jesus, there is a growing feeling the Brazil international could be moved on in the summer.

Football Insider revealed on 3 March that Jesus is attracting interest from multiple European clubs, who have been impressed by his Europa League form.

Forest won’t be forced to sell and will keep hold of him if they cannot land a replacement, unless they are relegated from the Premier League, while they await Chris Wood’s return.

Relegation would likely trigger a fire sale at the City Ground given the amount of money spent on players and wages in the last few transfer windows.

Jesus would inevitably be one of those on the way out given the interest and his performances in Europe, and he could leave even if they stay up.

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