Awoniyi in trouble as Nottingham Forest boss confirms January transfer plans

Taiwo Awoniyi’s future at Nottingham Forest has been plunged into uncertainty after a blunt transfer update from manager Sean Dyche.

With the January window entering its final week, Dyche has confirmed that the club is prioritizing the arrival of a new striker to solve their ongoing goal-scoring crisis

Forest currently sit 17th in the Premier League, just five points above the relegation zone, and have struggled significantly in front of goal.

Awoniyi, who recently signed a contract extension until 2028, has failed to find the net in seven league appearances this term, while fellow striker Igor Jesus has managed just one goal in 20 outings

Following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Braga in the Europa League on Thursday, a match where Forest were forced to play without a natural striker, Dyche was blunt about the team's requirements.

“We’re certainly working on it. The club know, they’re aware. They can see the situation,” Dyche told TNT Sports.

“There is effort here, but that killer edge, we want more of that. It’s a juggling act, but we need the right players at the right time.”

Reports indicate that Forest are on the verge of completing a €1 million loan deal for the 6ft 7in Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca, with a substantial €40 million option to buy included.

Lucca’s arrival would significantly increase the competition for places at the City Ground. With Chris Wood sidelined and Igor Jesus struggling for consistency and fitness, Awoniyi, who was not even registered for the club's European squad, faces a massive fight to remain part of Dyche's long-term plans.

Unless the Nigerian can rediscover the clinical form that made him a fan favorite, his time on the banks of the Trent may be drawing to an end.