'No choice': Elliot Anderson and Murillo to be part of mass Nottingham Forest exodus
Nottingham Forest are fearing a mass exodus of their star players ahead of the summer transfer window regardless of whether they are relegated.
Despite an impressive 2-2 draw with Man City, Vitor Pereira's side are now level on points with West Ham, with only goal difference keeping them outside the relegation zone.
There are nine games still to play in the Premier League, with the likes of Tottenham and Leeds still very much in danger, and Forest remain hopeful of staying up.
However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Evangelos Marinakis may have no choice but to accept offers for his best players.
Big-money offers arrive for the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson and Murillo will prove temping as Nottingham Forest prepare for a busy summer of sales.
Nottingham Forest brace for major summer exits
Brown told Football Insider last month that Nottingham Forest are braced for an exodus of their star players after what has been a dismal Premier League season.
The likes of Anderson and Murillo are considered most likely to go given the high-profile interest in their signatures, but both will fetch significant transfer fees.
"Nottingham Forest are going to have to sell players," Brown told Football Insider.
"They might have no other choice because, even if they stay up, players like Anderson and Murillo are going to have big offers from clubs higher up the food chain.
"It's all well and good hanging on to players after a strong season, it's a completely different ball game trying to keep them after a bad one.
"If there's big money on the table for these players, I expect Marinakis will be tempted to accept and let them move on, but it will have to be the right price.
"If they're not careful they could lose a lot of their key players, Forest, because they're not going to want to be involved in relegation battles year after year.
"Gibbs-White as well, there's obviously a lot of interest in him and he decided to stay last year, but how long will he stick around if they're struggling down the bottom.
"It's a tough situation but any club in their position would be forced to accept that players are going to move on, the most they can do it try to get a good fee."
Nottingham Forest make summer transfer plans
Despite bracing for inevitable offers to arrive for their best players, Forest remain keen to strengthen their squad and improve, as long as they stay in the Premier League.
Brown told Football Insider on 3 March that Nottingham Forest want to upgrade in key positions, including at full-back amid doubts about Neco Williams.
His recent performances have raised concerns, while there is a growing feeling that his position could be improved in if they remain in the top flight.
Williams signed a new contract last summer, and remains an important part of Vitor Pereira’s side, but could be upgraded as Nottingham Forest brace for a busy summer of transfers.
Their league position has forced them to plan for all eventualities, but should they remain in the Premier League, they are likely to enjoy another busy transfer window.