The centre-forward position has been a huge issue for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League this season, with none of the players on the books able to thrive in the role.
Chris Wood was the club’s main talisman in 2024/25, as seen by his tally of 20 league goals, but he’s missed the majority of the current campaign with a knee injury.
As a result, Igor Jesus has inherited the starting role under Sean Dyche, but the Brazilian international has only found the net twice in England’s top-flight to date.
Taiwo Awoniyi has also been a constant option off the substitutes bench, but the Nigerian was only able to net his first league goal in over 12 months during the recent triumph over Brentford.
As a result, the hierarchy have tirelessly been working to add reinforcements to the squad, with numerous names appearing on their shortlist ahead of tonight’s transfer deadline.
Nottingham Forest in talks to land a new talisman on deadline day
In recent days, all the noise around a new centre-forward has been directed to a move for Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta, after he handed in a transfer request at Selhurst Park.
At one stage, Forest even submitted a £35m bid for the Frenchman, but such an offer was rejected, with the 28-year-old now set to join Italian outfit AC Milan.
As a result, the Reds have been forced to identify alternatives in recent days, which has led to a potential move to land Jhon Duran before the window closes.
According to TEAMtalk, Dyche’s men have previously been offered the chance to land the Colombian international, who’s currently on loan at Fenerbahçe from Al Nassr.
The report claims that the Reds have once again been approached by the 22-year-old’s agent over a possible move, with talks being held over a possible transfer.
However, they aren’t alone in the pursuit for the former Aston Villa star, with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United also in the race for his signature.
Why Duran would be better than Lucca for Forest
As previously mentioned, the hunt for a new striker has been ongoing at the City Ground, but the board have already secured the signature of Lorenzo Lucca from Napoli during the current window.
The Reds secured a loan move for the 25-year-old earlier in the window, with the Italian moving to the East Midlands on loan until the end of the campaign, with an option to buy.
The 6’7 striker is yet to make an appearance for Dyche’s side, but he was included in the squad for Sunday’s hard-fought 1-1 draw at home to Crystal Palace.
There’s no doubt Lucca will have a part to play between now and the end of May, but it remains to be seen when or if he’s handed the starting role on a consistent basis.
He may have to settle for minutes off the bench if a move for Duran can be completed today, with the former Villa man able to hand Dyche’s side a proven Premier League option.
The 22-year-old only left the Villans this time last year in a reported £67m transfer, but his desire to return to the Premier League could hand Forest the perfect chance to bolster their ranks.
When comparing his stats to those of Lucca from the ongoing campaign, Duran has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, highlighting why he would be a better addition.
The Colombian, who’s been dubbed a “monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has posted more goals this campaign, whilst managing to place more of his shots on target to date.
The aforementioned figures showcase his incredible ability to cause trouble within the final third, something which Dyche’s side have desperately lacked in recent months.
How Duran & Lucca compare in 2025/26
Statistics (per 90)
Duran
Lucca
Games played
21
16
Goals & assists
7
1
Shot on target accuracy
35%
33%
Shots on target
1.1
0.9
Chances created
1.1
0.4
Dribbles completed
63%
57%
Aerials won
63%
45%
Touches in 18-yard box
6.1
5.8
Stats via FotMob
He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst creating more chances per 90 – subsequently making him an excellent all-round option.
Such tallies would allow the other attackers around him at the City Ground to also improve their attacking numbers, with Duran able to provide the focal point the Reds need.
However, arguably his most impressive attribute is his aerial ability, with the former Villa man winning more of the aerials he’s contested than the 6’7 loanee.
It’s unclear whether any deal would be a permanent or temporary one, but a move for Duran is certainly one the Forest hierarchy should be all over before the 7pm deadline.
Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran fouls Newcastle United’s Fabian Schar before is shown a red card
His experience in the Premier League could make him an excellent addition, with his deadly ability in attacking areas able to catapult the club to survival in the months ahead.
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