Yahoo News 'Huge offer' makes FFP sense as Nottingham Forest fight striker transfer battle
The rumour mill has been in full swing in recent days as Nottingham Forest gear up for the opening of the transfer window on Friday.
The aim for the Reds over the coming weeks and months is to end the summer with a squad capable of pushing on in the Premier League. As they also look to balance the books, that will mean outgoings as well as incomings.
June 30 will be a key date on that front. That is the deadline for the current Profitability and Sustainability Rules assessment period, and Forest have work to do to avoid another breach.
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A number of players have already been linked with moves to and exits from the City Ground. Below, NottinghamshireLive looks at the latest transfer news and gossip.
Adams transfer battle
Fresh competition has reportedly emerged for Reds target Che Adams. Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers have been battling for the free agent’s signature, while Southampton have not given up hope of persuading the striker to stay put.
Adams is also said to have interest from Italy and the MLS. And new reports have suggested Saudi Arabia outfit Al-Shabab have him on their radar as they target a big-name signing.
The 27-year-old’s contract with the Saints expires at the end of the month, although the newly-promoted side previously said talks were “ongoing” regarding a new deal. However, his suitors may have to wait for a final decision from Adams on his future. He is part of Scotland’s Euro 2024 squad and is fully focused on Friday’s opening clash with Germany.
NottinghamshireLive’s Sarah Clapson says: Although the link with Adams might not necessarily have got Reds fans overly excited when it first emerged last week, it would potentially be a smart bit of business. He is a player Forest have had their eye on before, someone who has Premier League experience and is available for nothing.
With the Reds facing a fine PSR balancing act, targeting the front man is a sensible move. He would provide head coach Nuno Espirito Santo with another option as bolstering the Portuguese’s attacking resources is a must this summer.
It looks as though there will be fierce competition for the former Ilkeston Town man, though. The interest from Saudi Arabia might well come with financial muscles being exercised, but Adams will no doubt also weigh up the lure of once again plying his trade in the Premier League. This one probably has some way still to run.
Murillo eyed up
Arsenal sporting director Edu is “pushing for the signature” of Reds ace Murillo, according to FootballTransfers. That could set up a head-to-head contest with north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the battle for the Brazilian.
A brilliant breakthrough season at the City Ground means Murillo has no end of admirers this summer. The Gunners and Spurs have been linked for some time, while Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, PSG, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have also been credited with an interest in the centre-back.
Spurs are said to have “shown the most interest” so far as they have made clear their wish to strengthen their back line. But it would take upwards of £60 million to prise Murillo away from the banks of the Trent.
NottinghamshireLive’s Sarah Clapson says: From the moment Murillo marked his first away game for Forest with a spectacular run, it was clear he was something special. He was so close to scoring what would have been a goal of the season contender that day at Crystal Palace.
He went from strength to strength after that; his reserves of talent abundantly obvious. At 21, he is still a bit raw and rough around the edges, but he has bags of potential. He took to the Premier League and English football like a duck to water.
The way he played in the Garibaldi last term, it was inevitable other clubs would sit up and take note. In an ideal world, he would have another season developing at the City Ground. Forest would love to hang on to him and fans would love another year of watching him make incredible blocks and try to score outrageous goals.
If someone does come in with a significant offer, though, it would be tough for the Reds to turn it down. There is the potential to make a huge profit on the £11m the club paid Corinthians for Murillo 12 months ago. It would be a reluctant sale, but one backed by financial sense.
