It’s been a quiet transfer window in terms of confirmed business for Nottingham Forest thus far but one player may be soon to leave.

Morgan Gibbs-White was offered a new Forest deal too, with the club aiming to reward the players who have guided Forest to third in the Premier League table.

There have been rumblings of a few potential departures, though, with some more manageable than others. West Ham are interested in Taiwo Awoniyi who Nuno Espirito Santo could likely cope with losing, whereas Liverpool’s interest in Elliot Anderson is certainly one that Forest won’t entertain.

One internationally-capped player is more than likely to depart the City Ground in January, however, with Forest coach Andy Reid all but confirming his future.

Andy Reid expects Andrew Omobamidele to leave in January

Speaking on the Off The Ball show, Andy Reid, who is a member of Espirito Santo’s Forest coaching staff, gave a telling update on the future of Irish defender, Andrew Omobamidele.

Reid said: “It’s been a tough enough period for him […], opportunities have been limited for him so I think he needs to go and play some football.

“I imagine he’ll find something that lets him get on the football pitch as opportunities are limited for him at the moment, unfortunately.

“He’ll go and have a really good career, it’s just been a tough enough period for him so he needs to go and play.”

Omobamidele has made only one appearance for Forest this season in the EFL Cup so you’d expect that the Forest manager is more than ready for his departure. Omobamidele was linked with Leeds United in December, too, showing there is interest in the defender.

However, the Irishman’s departure could leave Forest light at the back if Espirito Santo continues with one of his preferred tactical tweaks.

Andrew Omobamidele’s departure could leave Forest light

If Omobamidele were to depart, it would leave four senior centre back’s in the Forest squad which is a manageable number for a four-at-the-back system.

However, Espirito Santo has experimented with playing three central defenders at times this season which could be difficult with fewer numbers available at the back.

Espirito Santo received praise for his five-defender system in Forest’s win against Brentford over the Christmas period as the tactic was able to nullify one of the Premier League’s top-scoring teams.

If the Portuguese coach only had one alternative defender on the bench, though, the system would come with additional risks that may not be worth taking as we kick on into the decisive periods of the season.

West Ham throw spanner in the works that could have huge effect on Nottingham Forest and Taiwo Awoniyi

Taiwo Awoniyi’s future has been up in the air throughout the January transfer window, with West Ham’s latest move posing a potential problem.

West Ham are interested in Awoniyi and look to be making moves to secure the Nigerian in January, who has been the sole victim of Chris Wood’s imperious form up front for Forest.

Awoniyi did score in Forest’s win over Wolves, with Wood praising Awoniyi’s work in training while he has remained absent from the starting XI.

He’s only started twice this season for Nuno Espirito Santo, but Forest do want to keep Awoniyi in the window so a significant bid would need to come in to tempt Evangelos Marinakis.

However, such a significant bid seems unlikely from West Ham especially, after hearing the latest update on the London side’s striker search.

West Ham turn their attention away from Taiwo Awoniyi

According to journalist Rudy Galetti, West Ham have moved away from their interest in Awoniyi given his supposed importance to the Forest squad.

West Ham have begun to target Rodrigo Muniz, with a potential loan with a buy option discussed with fellow London rivals, Fulham.

After the Hammers appointed Graham Potter, Alex Crook predicted West Ham would move for Awoniyi, but their interest in Muniz should all but end that particular rumour.

The Forest manager will be happy about this development, but Awoniyi remaining at Forest will have a serious knock-on effect on the club’s own potential signings.

Taiwo Awoniyi staying will change Forest’s transfer plans

Forest were linked with Yoane Wissa as a potential option in the event that Awoniyi would leave the City Ground but deals such as Wissa seem very unlikely if Awoniyi is to stay.

Another potential option was Forest’s interest in Petar Musa who would provide a similar physical profile to Awoniyi, but again the funds wouldn’t necessarily be available if the Nigerian striker is to remain backup to Wood.

Therefore, the Forest owner may now look to turn focus back to looking for a wide option as a way to bolster Espirito Santo’s squad.

Marcus Edwards has been linked to Forest in January but his single Portuguese league goal this season so far doesn’t suggest he would add the required extra goals to make the financial outgoing worthwhile.

It’s back to the drawing board then for Marinakis and Espirito Santo, who may need to rethink their plans to add goals to the side with Awoniyi being trusted to continue as the backup striker.