According to reports, Nottingham Forest will compete with German teams in their attempt to sign a highly-regarded Brazilian defender during the January transfer window.
Last month, rumors circulated that Fluminense star Nino would be leaving the Rio de Janeiro-based team following their Copa Libertadores victory. This sparked reports of Forest’s interest in the player.
In fact, the 26-year-old stated in a recent interview with Globo Esporte that Steve Cooper’s men were interested in him.
“I learned about the interest the day before [the final],” he stated. My agent was already aware that I was concentrating on getting better so I could give this game my all.
“Thank God, I succeeded. I met with them this morning, and they laid out every scenario that could occur. Nothing is certain at this point, but I have always maintained that I have a deep affection for Fluminense, that I am happy here, and that if I ever have to leave, I want to do so in a way that benefits both Fluminense and me.
According to Globo Esporte, Forest informed Fluminense that they are prepared to cover Nino’s €7 million release clause.
The problem for Fluminense, though, is that Criciuma, his old team, is entitled to 40% of that total, leaving them with only 60%.
However, it now seems that if Forest keeps trying to close a deal, Bundesliga team Eintracht Frankfurt could present another issue.
Frankfurt is reportedly interested in signing the center back during the winter transfer window, according to German publication Sport1.
But for now, they are merely analyzing the likelihood of reaching an agreement.
Sport1 even mentions Forest’s purported “agreement” to sign Nino, raising doubts about Frankfurt’s ability to thwart the transaction.
The fact that Fluminense is getting ready for the Club World Cup is primarily to blame for the recent silence surrounding rumors of the transfer.
That tournament is still very significant, especially for Brazilian teams. In order to avoid any bad press in the lead-up to the competition, the club is making an effort to divert attention from themselves.
With the tournament taking place from Tuesday, December 12 to Tuesday, December 22, it is likely that there won’t be any more updates on Nino before the end of the month.
According to Sport1, Forest are still leading the race for the Brazilian center-back.
