Nottingham Forest are certainly showing ambition ahead of the summer transfer window, aiming to poach one of Liverpool’s most impressive talents.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are seemingly looking within England for their statement signings, with Forest linked with both Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa of Brentford.
With attackers the priority signing for most sides, Forest will face competition as Arsenal have shortlisted Mbeumo as well, but the ambition of Evangelos Marinakis can never be ruled out in these transfer battles.
It seems as though Forest will target defensive reinforcements too, and after Federico Gatti chose to stay at Juventus, attention has now turned to one of Jurgen Klopp’s star pupils.
Nottingham Forest enter race to sign Jarell Quansah
Again showing their domestic preference, Forest have scouted Renato Veiga of Chelsea, hinting that a versatile defender who can cover across the backline is the preference for Espirito Santo.
On this trend, TEAMtalk are reporting that the Reds have shown interest in Liverpool gem, Jarell Quansah.
The report said: “Nottingham Forest have entered the frame for Jarell Quansah and will provide Newcastle United with competition for the Liverpool defender. Nottingham Forest and Newcastle are keeping a close eye on Quansah, with both sides looking to strengthen their defence ahead of next season.
“The centre-back is seen as a valuable addition by Forest and Newcastle recruitment staff. TEAMtalk understands Liverpool value Quansah at around €35 million (£29.7m) and are open to considering offers, especially if they bring in a new central defender during the summer transfer window.”
Quansah has made nearly 60 appearances for Liverpool in his two seasons of senior football, enough to convince Klopp of his ability, referring to him as a “top talent” to the press when Liverpool lost to Union SG in the Europa League.
However, it won’t just be Newcastle that Forest have to compete with for Quansah, as the report detailed interest in the 22-year-old from across Europe.
European giants will rival Nottingham Forest for Jarell Quansah
Being the same age as Murillo, Marinakis could truly future-proof Forest’s defence with a signing like Quansah, but top sides in Italy and Germany are also showing interest.
The report continued: “Inter Milan were linked with Quansah in September, and TEAMtalk can confirm they remain admirers of him. The Serie A giants will sign a young defender in the summer and have asked for information about Quansah.
“[…] Several German clubs have [also] entered the mix for Quansah and are showing interest in landing him.”
Averaging a near 92% pass accuracy and 86 touches per game this season, Quansah would bring an equal to Murillo’s standards in possession, allowing the Forest coaching staff full confidence to play higher-pressure passes out from the back if they chose to.
Being right-footed too, he would perfectly complement Murillo, as well as providing strong competition for Nikola Milenkovic on the right and even Ola Aina, given his experience playing at full-back for Liverpool.
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