Nottingham Forest are now turning their attention to Aaron Martin as an alternative target to Monzo star Carlos Augusto.
Renan Lodi’s loan move from Atletico Madrid is coming to an end and Forest will consider their left back options.
A return for Lodi seems unlikely at this point, Omar Richards is still waiting for his Forest career to take off and Harry Toffolo surely won’t be first choice.
Forest are looking at left back targets and Monza star Augusto has been heavily linked of late.
However, the Daily Mail now report that Forest are looking towards Spaniard Aaron Martin instead.
Inter Milan’s interest in signing Augusto means Forest aren’t so confident of bringing him to the City Ground.
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Alternative targets are needed and Martin has emerged as one of them as he prepares to leave Mainz.
Martin is out of contract this summer and is now set to leave Mainz for absolutely nothing.
That may well appeal to Forest, with Martin a very budget-friendly option for Steve Cooper and co.
Who is Nottingham Forest target Aaron Martin?
Martin was born in Catalunya and came up through the Espanyol ranks, making 66 first-team appearances before heading to Mainz in 2018.
An initial loan move was turned permanent and Martin has now racked up 124 games for Mainz.
This past season was a positive one for Martin as he recorded five goals and three assists in 28 Bundesliga games.
That kind of attacking ability will appeal to Forest and Martin already knows a couple of Forest players.
Martin played 88 times alongside Moussa Niakhate in the Mainz defence and that familiarity would be useful on the left side of Forest’s defence.
Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi was also at Mainz alongside Martin, playing seven times together in the 2019-20 season.
Forest may now feel that Martin can fit into this squad alongside his former teammates as he prepares to become a free agent.
Rumour rating: 7/10 – We can imagine that Martin is one player on the Forest wish list, especially having previously studied Niakhate and Awoniyi.
We think that other left backs will be ahead of Martin though and Forest will only firm up their interest if a deal for Augusto is absolutely ruled out.