Evangelos Marinakis 'prank' feared as Nottingham Forest in transfer battle for £34m-rated Brazilian
Botafogo attacker Luiz Henrique is said to be on Nottingham Forest’s radar amid an “opportunity not to be wasted” for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
The Reds are well aware of the importance of this winter window. They are third in the Premier League table and on an eight-match unbeaten run in all competitions, so any January business must be balanced against the risk of disrupting that momentum.
But as Italian publication Firzenze Viola point out, the prospect of strengthening the squad in order to consolidate a top-four place is also a chance not to be missed. They report winger/striker Henrique is on Forest’s wanted list, although there is fierce competition for the versatile 24-year-old.
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It is claimed there is “strong pressure” from the Reds and Crystal Palace for Henrique’s signature while Lyon are also credited with an interest. All three clubs are battling with Fiorentina, who are determined “not to give up” on capturing the Brazil international despite facing an “uphill” battle.
It seems the Italian outfit are particularly wary of losing out to Evangelos Marinakis, fearing “another prank” from the Forest owner. Firenze Viola recall how Fiorentina lost to Marinakis’ Olympiacos in the Europa Conference League final in May, then saw defender Nikola Milenkovic switch to the City Ground in the summer after impressing the Greek businessman in that game.
Botafogo are reportedly ready to cash in on Henrique and the player himself is said to be keen on a move to Europe. A price tag of €40 million (£34m) is mooted as the Brazilian side wait “for the best offer” from the former Real Betis man’s admirers.
Strengthening out wide was a priority for Nuno in the summer. The Reds brought in Jota Silva and Ramon Sosa to provide competition and cover for Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi. Henrique, it is suggested, would be a “nice gift” for the Forest boss this month and would be afforded time to settle into English football given the other options on the books.
The Reds are keen to bolster their forward ranks before the window closes on February 3. Striker Chris Wood has been in fine form this term but there is uncertainty about Taiwo Awoniyi’s future amid interest from West Ham United.
