Yahoo News Corinthians manager sets out clear Carlos Miguel stance amid Nottingham Forest transfer links
Manager Antonio Oliveira says Nottingham Forest target Carlos Miguel will continue to be available for Corinthians until he is told otherwise.
The Reds have their eye on the Brazilian as they plot a reshuffle in their goalkeeping department this summer. Reports from his homeland in recent days have claimed he is set to pen a five-year deal Trentside as Forest are expected to trigger his 4 million euros (£3.4m) release clause.
Corinthians president Augusto Melo said in a press conference on Monday that the release clause had not yet been activated, but added contingency plans were being worked on to cover for the player’s potential departure. And now boss Oliveira has said it will continue to be business as usual for the keeper until that time comes, having started him in Tuesday night’s 2-2 draw with Atletico Goianiense.
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"I'm a Corinthians coach, Carlos Miguel is a Corinthians player, so until I receive information to the contrary, he is a player who is available, like everyone else,” Oliveira told Brazilian news outlet Terra. “So, I select those who I think are the better to serve our club.”
Terra add that during the warm-up Miguel was booed by Corinthians fans seemingly unhappy with his expected departure. Supporters are said to have shouted the name of back-up keeper Matheus Donelli.
Forest are said to have fought off competition from West Ham United for Miguel. He is also said to have caught the eye of clubs in Europe and Watford, while Corinthians are reportedly still trying to convince him to stay put.
Previous reports from Brazil suggested the 25-year-old would not leave until July. If he does make the switch to the City Ground, it would mark the start of the Reds reassessing their options between the posts.
Odysseas Vlachodimos is likely to move on and there is also doubt about Matt Turner’s future. Neither convinced after joining the club last summer and Forest dipped into the transfer market again in January to bring in Matz Sels as No.1.
