Nottingham Forest’s top January target is a striker who’s just like Wood

Nottingham Forest have a crucial transfer window ahead of them, especially given the perilous situation the squad find themselves in the Premier League.

Sean Dyche’s side currently sit just one place above the relegation zone, with the lack of goals in the squad undoubtedly one of the biggest issues within the ranks.

The Reds have only scored 21 times in the first 21 outings, with only bottom-placed side Wolverhampton Wanderers scoring fewer in the top-flight to date.

Morgan Gibbs-White is currently the club’s top scorer in the league this campaign, with his tally of five, three more than any other striker within Dyche’s squad.

As a result, a new number nine has become the priority for the Reds this window, with numerous players already appearing on their radar before the window slams shut.

Nottingham Forest make a striker their top target

Over the last couple of weeks, Forest have been linked with a whole host of attacking talent, with Wolves star Jorgen Strand Larsen just one of the options being considered.

It’s been reported that the Norwegian international is free to depart Molineux this winter, but only if any interested party forks out the £40m asking price for his signature.

However, Dyche’s men aren’t alone in their hunt to land the 25-year-old, with the likes of Everton and Newcastle United both keen on a deal to land this talisman.

He’s not the only player currently being pursued by the hierarchy, with Olympiacos star Mehdi Taremi another player who is of interest before the end of the window.

According to The Athletic, the Reds have made the Iranian international their top striker target for this month, after his impressive start to life in Greece, as seen by his tally of eight goals in 11 outings.

The report states that the 33-year-old could be seen as a short-term option until the end of the campaign, something which may come as a surprise to the supporters.

Why Taremi would be Dyche’s next Wood for Forest

Last season, striker Chris Wood made a huge impact on Forest’s ability to claim European football for the first time in 30 years, as seen with his incredible goal tally.

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The New Zealand international netted a total of 20 goals in the Premier League during the 2024/25, subsequently breaking the club’s goalscoring record in England’s top-flight.

However, the 34-year-old has struggled to have the same impact this time around, only making eight league appearances and scoring twice due to constant injury issues.

He’s not featured since the middle of October, with boss Dyche unable to utilise the forward in his plans, just as he did during their previous time together at Burnley.

Wood’s target-man style is the exact profile the manager craves in his 4-2-3-1 system, with Taremi potentially able to become his next version of the forward should he join.

The Iranian is an experienced option, as seen by his 182 appearances for Porto, with the talisman able to thrive under the manager’s guidance at the City Ground.

Taremi, who’s been dubbed “outstanding” by Alessandro Raffa, has netted eight times, whilst posting a shot on target accuracy rate of 47% so far this campaign.

Such numbers demonstrate his clinical nature when in front of goal, something the Reds have struggled with – as seen by their measly tally of goals scored in 2025/26.

The Olympiacos star has also posted a total of 8.8 touches in the opposition box per 90 this campaign, subsequently having the poacher-type nature Wood demonstrated under Dyche previously.

However, his hold-up play could make him a viable option for the club this winter, with Taremi winning 7.1 duels per 90 this season – 3.6 of which were aerially.

Such numbers could make him the perfect option in Dyche’s system, with his tally of 1.5 chances created also allowing the forwards around him in the East Midlands to improve their own tallies.

It’s unclear whether a move will be completed this winter, but it’s safe to say the move isn’t a popular one with the fans, especially after Arnaud Kalimuendo’s departure.

However, if the Iranian can replicate such numbers at the City Ground, he could prove to be the perfect short-term solution to keep the club in the Premier League come the end of May.