Saudi Arabia plot double raid on Nottingham Forest for two unwanted stars

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The transfer window may be closed across Europe, but two Nottingham Forest stars are now attracting attention from the Saudi Pro League.

Forest were busy on deadline day, with Dilane Bakwa’s arrival at the City Ground the centrepiece of the additions, which also included Oleksandr Zinchenko.

There were outgoings, too, as Josh Bowler had his Forest contract terminated, while another of Evangelos Marinakis’ clubs was strengthened as Eric da Silva Moreira and Omar Richards both made the move to Rio Ave.

However, there are still members of the Forest squad that could do with being shipped out, making the news of Saudi Arabian interest music to the Reds hierarchy’s ears.

Jota Silva and Morato catch Saudi Pro League eyes

It seemed inevitable that Jota Silva would get his move back to Portugal on deadline day, but Jota’s move to Sporting fell through after the club failed to register him.

He’s back at square one, then, but an update from John Percy may still mean that he gets a City Ground exit this summer.

According to Percy, Saudi side Neom SC are taking a look into a move for Jota, with an initial loan with a permanent option the most likely scenario.

He may not be alone in the move to the Middle East, though, as centre-back Morato could also attract interest, while Taiwo Awoniyi remains available, too.

It may not be the exit that Jota in particular had in mind, but the Saudi Pro League move would at least allow him to play regular football, with plenty of time left to discuss the financial intricacies of the deal.

When does the Saudi Pro League transfer window shut?

Incredibly, Botafogo made a £20 offer for Jota before the transfer deadline, too, in what would’ve been the most remarkable piece of business yet between Marinakis and John Textor.

Neither Brazil nor Portugal are available options for Jota anymore, though, so the Saudi Pro League is potentially his last chance of a transfer.

Luckily, though, Jota has until September 10 to discuss a move with Neom, with the Saudi transfer window open for another week.

Clearly, Morato is down the pecking order at Forest, too, so he’ll be hoping that his agent can negotiate a deal to find him first-team football, too.