Nuno Espirito Santo remains confident Ola Aina will agree new Forest deal | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo is “confident” full-back Ola Aina will sign a new contract.

The Nigeria international has been one of the stars of the season for Forest as they make an assault on the Premier League top four.

The two parties have been in discussions over a new deal and Nuno is expecting a positive outcome.

“I think so, things are going well,” he said. “I am positive and confident everything is going to be solved.

“He’s been performing fantastically, not only this season, the last season.

“He’s a big, big influence on the squad, but his experience means he is a role model for everybody, especially for the young guys in the team.”

Aina was rested for Tuesday’s FA Cup win over Exeter but will return to the fold for Saturday’s trip to Fulham.

The visit to Craven Cottage will see Nuno reunited with former Wolves striker Raul Jiminez, who is now back to his best after a life-threatening head injury while playing for Wolves at Arsenal in 2020.

“The relationship I had with Raul was amazing,” Nuno said. “And just to see him playing after, after what happened, believe me, it’s a huge joy for me.

“The relationship I had with Raul was amazing – to see him play after what happened gives me huge joy.

“I get emotional just thinking about it. I’m looking forward to seeing him again. It doesn’t matter what he does on the pitch – OK, he scores or not – just to see him is wonderful.”