Exclusive: Callum Hudson-Odoi Could Reunite with Nuno as West Ham Boss Considers January Move

Nuno Espirito Santo would welcome the opportunity to work again with Callum Hudson Odoi if the former Chelsea attacker fails to command a regular starting role at Nottingham Forest, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

Six of Hudson-Odoi’s 12 Premier League appearances so far this season have come from the bench, with new boss Sean Dyche introducing him from the bench against both Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion.

Although the 25-year-old remains highly rated by Dyche, who replaced Nuno at the City Ground earlier this term, the player’s representatives know that his game-time would almost certainly increase under the Portuguese. 

And, if he receives any encouragement to test Forest’s resolve to retain Hudson-Odoi’s services then Nuno will ask his employers to submit a bid given his admiration for the winger.

Capped three times by England, having also represented the Three Lions at under-21 and youth level, Hudson-Odoi was an integral member of the squad which emerged as unlikely top four contenders under Nuno before a disagreement over tactics and recruitment with Forest’s head of global football Edu.

Hudson-Odoi’s arrival in the Midlands, after spending over a decade-and-a-half at Stamford Bridge, pre-dated the Brazilian’s appointment by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis. 

West Ham have also been linked with a move for Championship starlet Scott Twine, with Nuno impressed by the Bristol City midfielder’s standout form and viewing him as a potential new set-piece specialist to push James Ward-Prowse, and a deal could be achievable for as little as £8 million.

REWARDED

Despite a flurry of incoming transfers following Edu’s switch, Nuno continued to view Hudson-Odoi as one of his ‘go to’ selections and was rewarded by the sight of the Londoner scoring five times in 36 appearances as Forest qualified for Europe last term.

Although Hudson-Odoi is fairly settled in Nottingham, the prospect of resurrecting his partnership with Nuno and a return to the capital would inevitably appeal - particularly if Forest continue to struggle towards the foot of the Premier League table and West Ham drag themselves clear of the drop zone.

Hudson-Odoi extended his contract with Forest in August, with his agreement now scheduled to expire in 2028. 

However, that would not dissuade Nuno from testing the water with a sensible bid given Dyche’s desire to tweak the options at his disposal.