Douglas Luiz transfer update as Nottingham Forest 'bigger investment' claim emerges
Nottingham Forest are in the mix for Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz as deadline day approaches, according to reports from Brazil.
The Reds were credited with an interest in the 26-year-old earlier this month. And although he has a number of potential suitors, a switch to the City Ground would seemingly hold some appeal.
Luiz joined Juventus from Aston Villa last summer in a £40 million-plus deal but the move hasn’t exactly worked out as he would have hoped. Injuries have hampered him in Italy and he has mostly had to settle for a substitutes’ role.
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Eager to win back a place in the Brazil national squad, it seems a January departure could be on the cards for Luiz. According to Brazilian publication Bolavip, the player favours joining either Forest or Manchester City.
The reigning Premier League champions are said to be targeting a straight loan for the player. However, Juve would reportedly prefer a permanent transfer or a loan with an obligation to buy.
It is claimed the Reds are “trying” to sign Luiz and would be “willing to make a bigger investment” than their Premier League rivals to secure his services. The midfielder’s agents are said to be “in frequent contact” with European teams as a move is sought.
The Daily Mail state Chelsea have asked about Luiz but their interest has “cooled” due to the cost. The report adds City are “contemplating a loan”, with Forest, Manchester United and Fulham waiting “in the wings”.
The Reds already have a strong Brazilian contingent in place Trentside. Defenders Murillo and Morato, midfielder Danilo and goalkeeper Carlos Miguel are all on the books.
Forest have until 11pm on February 3 to get their winter transfer business done. Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo is yet to add any new faces to his squad but has said the club are “working” on making signings.
“It is not easy to operate in this market, especially because we only consider options that can improve us. It is not easy,” the Portuguese said last week.
