By John Swift
May 31 2004

There's been a lot of transfer rumours floating around recently. But which ones are likely, and which ones are improbable? Well I can't see into the future, but I can predict my view on some of our rumoured signings.

Joe Kinnear is a dab hand in the transfer market. but don't expect Joe to splash the cash, he keeps his cheque book tight to his chest and has a good record. Joe will only buy someone if he feels they are worth the fee their club are asking. Kinnear has been buying cheap and stioll finding results for years now, most notably "the crazy gang" he built on a pittance at Wimbledon. So who will Joe be looking to bring in? Will he buy anyone mentioned in any rumours doing the rounds? Here is an analysis and even prediction of reliability of some the players who supposedly may be joining us next season:

Paul Heffernan - More assosciated with the black and white side of the trent perhaps. Played a great season at Meadow Lane despite being relegated. "Heffers" has decided it is time for him to leave County however. The third division just seemed too small for him, but would the first be too big? it is known that Heffernan is looking to up his career and that Forest could do with another striker. Also Heffernan is definitely leaving County. Is a boat trip accross the river on the cards?

The verdict  -  10%  -  Could see him arriving as a back-up striker, but how many strikers go to a club wanting to sit on the bench? It's not impossible but it's not incredibly likely either. Heffernan could be useful at times, but why would he come here when he could play first team football at the top of division 2?

Paul Butler - The Wolves centre back has not really shone as a great player this season, but that was in the premiership. However with relegation surely Wolves will want to hold on to those who won't be jetting into the higher leagues. Wolves will probably be quite keen to keep Butler as defence is hardly their strong point. Wolves are also hardly renowned for a steel defence, so unless Forest deliver a big fee it's not likely. And big fees aren't the Kinnear way.

The verdict  -  5%  -  Only likely if he is released by Wolves, which in itself is hardly something I'd bet on. Wolves will probably hang on to Butler.

Chris Bart-Williams - How many of us would love to see the "Bart-man" back? He could be a great player for Forest again. He's matured now and not really fitting in to the Charlton set-up. They're climbing the league fast and Chris in truth is not a top end Premiership player, but he sure could do a sterling job again for Forest in the first division. Charlton would also accept a decent offer. Maybe Joe Kinnear will make it.

The verdict  -  20%  -  I could see this one happening, bringing back an old favourite may be popular. But often they aren't the same player the second time round, maybe this will put Joe off. However the Bart-man is a great footballer and one we'd love to see back I'm sure.

George Ndah - The Wolves striker doesn't seem to be needed their and it is not impossible he could wind up here. Though Wolves need squad depth and Ndah is a good back-up. A fourth striker role at Forest> Unlikely that's any better for Ndah than a similar position at Wolves.

The verdict  -  5%  -  Not one I can see going down. Joe won't spend the cash, Ndah won't be to keen either. Probably utter rubish this one.