With Reds boss Billy Davies continuing to make the case for new faces, the name of Michael Tonge has entered the fray.
The 27-year-old midfielder looks unlikely to play much first-team football at Stoke City this season and The People suggest that both Forest and Derby want him on a season-long loan
Leon Best meanwhile, long linked with a move to his hometown club while at Coventry, is set to be allowed out on loan by Newcastle United according to reports.
The Irish international striker made a £2m move to Tyneside in January but struggled to make an impact with the Championship winners.
Forest are also keen to take flying winger Jermaine Johnson from Sheffield Wednesday but despite some well-publicised financial problems at Hillsborough, manager Alan Irvine has said: “If other clubs think there is a fire sale on here, they can think again.
“We will not take derisory offers for any players."