It would appear that Nottingham Forest are keen to do all they can to prevent a swift return to the second tier at the end of next season, as they prepare for their first Premier League campaign in 23 years.

Despite the new season still being weeks away, Steve Cooper and co have already acted swiftly and ruthlessly to bring in six new faces in the current window, including club-record arrival Taiwo Awoniyi from Union Berlin.

The former Liverpool man joins with a burgeoning reputation after a stunning season in Germany last time out, the Nigeria international netting 20 goals in all competitions during the 2021/22 campaign, including 15 goals in the Bundesliga.

Having seen Keinan Davis return to parent club Aston Villa after his promising loan spell, Awoniyi will seemingly take the 24-year-old's place as the club's leading figure in attack, with Sam Surridge also likely to provide additional firepower.

However, following the news of Lewis Grabban's exit from the club, it would seem that further attacking depth will be needed next term, amid reports that the club are interested in a move for Burnley talisman, Maxwel Cornet.

According to the Daily Mail, Forest have already had an approach rebuffed by the Clarets this summer, with Vincent Kompany's side likely to hold out for the 25-year-old's reported £17.5m release clause.

Although the former Lyon man - who arrived at Turf Moor on a £12.9m deal last summer - could well remain with the Championship outfit next term, a player of his quality seemingly belongs in the top tier, with the City Ground offering the ideal place for him to blossom.

It would prove a truly frightening and lethal prospect were Cornet and the aforementioned Awoniyi to be paired together in attack next season, with the duo offering impressive speed as well as undoubted finishing prowess.

In 26 Premier League outings last season, the "fabulous" Cornet - as he has been described by Owen Hargreaves - chipped in with a strong haul of nine goals and one assist, marking an impressive debut campaign in English football.

The "electric" ace, as labelled by Andy Jones,  can play off the front, on the flank or even in a left-back role, with there the chance for Cooper to even deploy him in a wing-ack role if required, such is his versatility.

In truth, however, getting him as close to Awoniyi as possible would be the wisest course of action, with that having the makings of a truly destructive, attacking partnership.

AND in other news - Imagine him & Awoniyi: Cooper can form deadly duo by signing “stunning” £10m star