Nottingham Forest's blockbuster first January transfer could be £30m Serie A gem as ‘talks held’
Nottingham Forest are aiming to bolster their squad in Sean Dyche’s first transfer window in charge
Nottingham Forest eased panic surrounding a potential relegation back to the Championship by securing an invaluable 2-1 victory at the London Stadium against West Ham United.
It’s a result which gives the team a seven-point cushion over the Hammers and one which really ramps up the pressure on former boss Nuno Espirito Santo, who just 12 months ago had Forest in third position in January, with many calling for him to win the Manager of the Season award.
However, a lot can change quickly in football, and Sean Dyche, who was sacked as Everton boss last January, knows his team cannot afford to be complacent in the remaining months of the campaign.
Nottingham Forest linked with Inter Milan ace Davide Frattesi
Nottingham Forest are in talks to sign Inter Milan midfielder Davide Fattesi, according to reports in Italy.
Gianluca Di Marzio claims the City Ground club have been in contact with the Italian heavyweights to express their interest in the 26-year-old, with the Nerazzurri's asking price thought to be at €35 million which equates to around £30 million.
The well-renowned Sky Italy journalist believes talks between the two clubs could deepen in the coming days while also adding that Turkish giants Galatasaray could also emerge as potential suitors.
Frattesi could rejuvenate Nottingham Forest’s season
Nottingham Forest are navigating the challenge of competing domestically and in Europe for the first time since 1995/96 when Frank Clark was in the dugout.
The club finished third the year before and dropped to ninth on that occasion before finishing 20th the year later and remaining out of the top-flight for more than 20 years.
They are finding life tough this season, particularly due to Chris Wood’s long-term injury, but have proven at times this term that they can still compete at a high level and have shown moments of quality in Europe as well.
Tottenham Hotspur are an example of a team near the lower end of the table that have won European silverware - and Forest, while hoping to climb the table as well, will be encouraged by Spurs achievements and hope to follow suit on the continent.
Frattesi is someone with experience at going to the latter stages of top competitions having reached the Champions League final last season. He’s also a Serie A and Supercoppa Italiana winner that’s played 33 times for Italy and racked up an impressive 104 appearances for one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The 26-year-old is a goal threat having scored seven times last season across all competitions and he was at one time thought to be a big target for Newcastle, according to reports over the summer from the same reporter.
Frattesi has struggled for game time this term, making just 15 appearances in total across all competitions and only starting one of the nine Serie A matches he’s been involved in.
His arrival would likely see him compete with Morgan Gibbs-White and Leeds target James McAtee for a starting role, but he’s also able to play slightly deeper and could also partner someone like Elliot Anderson in a box-to-box role.