Nottingham Forest rejected a club-record sale – it shows they are serious about Europe

Top flight’s surprise package determined to keep hold of stars as they target place in Champions League

When Nuno Espírito Santo and Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis held talks before the January transfer window, there was only one objective for the weeks ahead. Keeping Forest’s stars together was the absolute priority, and that is why last month will be regarded as another huge success in their season as Nuno hunts down Champions League football.

Anthony Elanga, the £13.5 million winger, was the subject of a big bid from Newcastle in the summer and has interest from other Premier League clubs, but selling him in January was never in Forest’s plans. With the window now closed, Forest will prepare for the remainder of the season with their squad intact.