Nottingham Forest could have another chance to sign Jhegson Mendez in January. In recent weeks clubs in Turkey and Russia have seen bids rejected fro the midfielder.
According to journalist Vene Caragrande, the player was subject to two bids from Europe. They were both rejected and Mendez does seem likely to leave in January.
Forest held talks with the representatives of Mendez during the summer transfer window. It was also believed that the Reds were very keen to add the player to their ranks.
Mendez ultimately stayed put. Forest added Ibrahim Sangare and Nicolas Dominguez on transfer deadline day and it remains to be seen whether the midfield engine room is still an area they would look to strengthen.
Forest man Mendez gets Sao Paulo snub
There’s another factor that could help Forest get the defensive midfielder in January. Earlier this week he was completely omitted from the squad as Sao Paulo defeated Flamengo to win the Brazilian Cup.
That won’t have gone down well with the player. He’s only made 23 appearances for his current club and naturally, he will be craving more game time.
Mendez signed for the Brazilian outfit after leaving Los Angeles in the MLS. The move to Sao Paulo hasn’t quite gone according to plan and Forest are monitoring the player.
Signing Mendez would be intriguing
It’s hard to imagine the player signing for Forest now. However, the club might sign him in preparation for Cheikhou Kouyate likely departing at the end of the season.
Right now, it’s hard to see where another defensive midfielder fits into the squad. Mendez would face stern competition to get a place in the team and after struggling at Sao Paulo he may not fancy that.
Still, the club are leaving no stone unturned in South America. Forest-linked Mendez has made 36 appearances for Ecuador and it will be fascinating to see if Forest move for the player.
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