Nottingham Forest are still in the process of potentially thinning Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad, although the current numbers are looking slightly concerning.
Forest wanted to improve four positions in the squad with the aim of giving Espírito Santo a squad capable of competing in Europe next season.
However, exits have been the main activity at the City Ground this summer. Ramon Sosa departed for Palmeiras after just a year at Forest, and he was followed out the door by another South American when Danilo completed a move to Botafogo.
Nuno could really do with some incomings, then, but according to reports in Portugal, Sporting are growing in confidence in securing a Forest star to replace the outgoing Victor Gyokeres.
Sporting CP ‘confident’ in securing Jota Silva deal
Despite being the only senior right winger in the Forest squad, Jota Silva could well be set to follow Sosa to a quick exit from the club.
Sporting are interested in Jota but for the winger’s exit to be sanctioned, Evangelos Marinakis would be looking to make a profit on the previous season’s investment of £6m.
The Portuguese side had been proposing a loan move, but according to A Bola, there is confidence within the Sporting camp that a deal can be reached.
The report said: “Sporting, in turn, in its initial approach to English officials, suggested a loan with an option to buy for around €10 million (the same amount that, remember, Nottingham acquired Jota Silva from V. Guimarães a year ago), but is only considering this option with an option of €15 million.
“A significant difference, admittedly, but one that the Lions believe they can negotiate for what they consider to be more reasonable amounts.”
It remains to be seen whether Forest are willing to negotiate, but they may well be wise to consider a lower fee given that they’ve already found an alternative on the market.
Nottingham Forest have already found a Jota Silva replacement
The Reds have already played two games in pre-season, both featuring the Portuguese winger, but Forest fans weren’t impressed with Jota’s display against Chesterfield.
Therefore, as long as a replacement can be found, Forest could look to upgrade on Jota, with a Premier League winger lined up as an exciting option.
Reports are suggesting that Adama Traoré is of interest to Forest in a deal that would suit Espírito Santo perfectly, given that the pair had a successful partnership at Wolves.
Forest fans are keen on signing Traoré, too, so if a deal can be agreed with Fulham, Jota’s move to Sporting could be sanctioned.
Receive a digest of our best Nottingham Forest content each week direct to your mailbox
