Nottingham Forest transfer news: Olympiacos eye move for Joao Carvalho

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Olympiacos are trying to sign Joao Carvalho from Nottingham Forest before the end of the month, according to Greek football journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos.

The Portuguese performer signed for Forest in 2018 from Benfica. He cost a club record £13 million and initially made a decent impression on the Reds team.

Aitor Karanka made him an integral part of the team. During the 2018/19 season, he scored four goals and claimed eight assists but a string of negative managers have hampered his progress.

Martin O’Neill used him sparingly and Sabri Lamouchi didn’t really have a place for him in a system that didn’t deploy a number 10.

Last season he was on loan at Almeria. That temporary spell didn’t really go according to plan either and he returned with a point to prove to Chris Hughton.

He didn’t really fancy him either. He made four appearances under the former boss and scored twice in the Carabao Cup against Bradford.

Under Steve Cooper, he has struggled for game time too. Brennan Johnson and Philip Zinckernagel provide more versatility; with Carvalho making just three substitute appearances.

In 75 outings for the Reds, the 24-year-old has scored eight goals and claimed nine assists.

Ideal: Carvalho leaving Forest suits all parties

There isn’t a single player who divides opinion quite like Carvalho. Plenty love him and crave more chances for the talented attacker, whilst others simply love to hate him.

This season, he’s barely had a kick. Yet when he does get chances, it’s like supporters expect him to be instantly brilliant.

• LOAN: Player set to depart on temporary basis

That level of pressure is doing nobody any favours. As a result, if a deal can be struck with Olympiacos it would be a strong outcome for all parties.

Carvalho doesn’t really suit Cooper’s system and the Portuguese performer simply needs to get some regular football under his belt.

Olympiacos have Aguibou Camera in their ranks. He is currently at the AFCON, however, and that should allow Carvalho the chance to get lots of game time.