Premier League boss makes admission as Nottingham Forest try to steal his prized asset

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The domestic market could be key for Nottingham Forest this summer, with one Premier League target already receiving glowing reviews from his current head coach.

With European football secured, Forest plan to spend serious money in the summer to maintain the upward trajectory at the club.

As we approach the window, it seems that the Premier League could well be a lucrative market for the club as Forest have interest in Liam Delap to solve their striking dilemma, but will face intense competition.

He’s not the only target from the Premier League, though, with another star looking even more appealing given what his current coach has said about him.

Southampton boss Simon Rusk is a huge Mateus Fernandes fan

Perhaps coming as a surprise to most, Forest were linked with Mateus Fernandes of Southampton, with the 20-year-old attacking midfielder seen as a bright spark in the Saints’ torrid campaign.

Of course, shopping in the relegation zone is always risky given that their confidence is likely low from the difficult season, but Southampton’s caretaker boss Simon Rusk seems to see something special in Fernandes.

Speaking to the Daily Echo in April, Rusk said: “I think his energy level, his commitment and his focus are second to none. He’s a player that I love working with. I think he has got that ability to flip in and out of the game, both defensively and offensively, and influence it.

“He’s definitely at the forefront of what we’re doing at the minute and in the mix in all of our positive decisions. He’s someone I really, really enjoy working with, and I hope he can finish the season as strongly as possible. I wouldn’t want to get drawn into the big picture stuff.”

Energy level and commitment will be music to Nuno Espirito Santo’s ears as he attempts to balance added quality with the work ethic his Forest squad have thrived with this season.

Espirito Santo may not have needed to hear Rusk’s words, though, as he got to witness Fernandes up close when he dazzled at the City Ground in January.

Mateus Fernandes has already auditioned for a Nottingham Forest move

VAR made errors when Forest played Southampton, and that might well be the overriding memory of the game for some Reds fans, but amongst this was a quietly impressive display by Fernandes.

The Portuguese midfielder earned an assist for Southampton’s second goal and was the creative spark throughout for the visitors, creating three chances and completing a seriously impressive seven crosses, which Chris Wood would surely love.

He’s not the most physical midfielder at five feet ten, but Fernandes was still able to put himself about, winning five duels and completing five recovery runs.

An asking price has yet to be revealed for the Portuguese star, but with the right deal, Forest could do a lot worse than adding Fernandes to the Forest squad based on his display in January.