Nottingham Forest are in talks with Benfica over a loan extension for playmaker Filip Krovinovic, according to Portuguese outlet Record.
The 25-year-old arrived at the City Ground on loan in January and made 19 appearances for the Reds. He was a regular under Chris Hughton and it seems as though the boss is keen to get him back next season.
Krovinovic has no future at Benfica and has just one year left to run on his existing deal.
As a result, it’s perhaps surprising that the Portuguese outfit are willing to loan him out again next season.
The summer represents their final chance to offload him but it does seem as though Forest could land him on loan.
Would Krovinovic be a good signing?
Although he proved a decent addition to the Forest ranks, he could do with adding more goals and assists to his game.
That said, he does have a superb passing radar and could perhaps do a job for Forest in the centre of midfield.
The Reds are short of midfielders. Ryan Yates and Cafu are at the club but Harry Arter and Jack Colback seem way out of the reckoning.
James Garner has returned to Manchester United after his loan spell. Forest do want him back but could be forced into a waiting game to do such a deal.
As a result, getting Krovinovic signed up ahead of pre-season might represent a positive step in the right direction.
What would the Croatian bring to Forest?
Krovinovic looked like he really enjoyed playing for the club during his short stint on Trentside. On that basis, he would likely jump at a return to the club and he could be a decent acquisition.
Just because he played as a No.10 during 2020/21 it doesn’t mean he is limited to such a role.
He could do some serious damage in central midfielder and his quick feet and superb passing ability could see him shine.
Krovinovic could do with contributing more in the way of goals and assists but at 25 there is time for him to continue improving.
With cash likely to be at a premium in the post-Covid era, Forest could do a lot worse than re-sign Krovinovic this summer.