Nottingham Forest have hit a snag in their attempt to complete the loan signing of Goncalo Ramos, according to Will Unwin of The Guardian.
The Benfica youngster was on Forest’s radar for the January transfer window but the situation at the Portuguese giants is complicated.
Jorge Jesus has been axed after a thrashing to Porto and reserve team boss Nelson Verissimo is stepping up to take charge.
One criticism thrown at the former incumbent was his unwillingness to utilise the club’s youth players – including Ramos.
It is thought that by appointing Verissimo the club can start to get some of their homegrown talents on the pitch, instead of forking out hefty transfer fees.
That approach is admirable; although it doesn’t help Forest in their quest to sign Ramos this month.
The 20-year-old has been in and around the first-team squad this season. He has made 23 appearances in all competitions; scoring once and claiming three assists.
Most of his appearances have been from the bench though. As a result, it was anticipated that Benfica might be willing to let the youngster leave in search of regular football.
Now, it would seem as though Forest won’t be signing Ramos. The Reds have added Keinan Davis from Aston Villa and they appear happy with that deal.
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The Portuguese talisman might have proved too much of a risk for Forest anyway. The club has been burned by Benfica previously and some fans might breathe a huge sigh of relief.
Forest are quite well-stocked in the attack. Davis will be added to the ranks with 10-goal talisman Lewis Grabban and Lyle Taylor.
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One more would prove greedy and in a system that typically plays with one upfront, perhaps another striker signing wouldn’t be ideal.
Ramos might be one to look at in the future. For now, however, Forest are better off out of the race for the Portugal under-21 youngster.