Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has expressed uncertainty about retaining key players Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi at the club, Sportblog247.com reports.

Despite both players being crucial for Forest throughout the season, they have faced lengthy injury spells. Espirito Santo, who took over from Steve Cooper in December following a series of poor results, has voiced concerns about keeping the club’s star players for another season.

Under Espirito Santo’s leadership, Nottingham Forest managed to stay six points clear of the relegation zone, even after suffering a four-point deduction due to a breach of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.

The former Wolves boss acknowledged that the club’s current situation might make it difficult to retain their top talent. With the need to make sales to avoid further breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, some players may be hesitant to renew their contracts.

“You never know in football. You have to realize that the way we finished this season, some players in our squad are going to attract interest, for sure. They are talented, they are young, and they are in a good moment of their careers. You cannot control these things. We have to see what happens. We have to make decisions, but they are not tough. They are based on what we believe. I don’t consider them tough decisions. They are part of the job,” the 50-year-old coach told BBC UK.

Ola Aina’s contract with Forest expires this summer, although he has an option to extend for another year. Meanwhile, Taiwo Awoniyi has hinted at a possible move away from the club, as reported by Sportblog247.com.

Both players are aiming to be fully fit for Nigeria’s upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic next month.