Nottingham Forest appear to have beaten off interest from Bayer Leverkusen for Atletico Madrid defender Felipe.
That is according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, who claims Forest are now close to sealing a full agreement with Atletico as Steve Cooper's side look to bring in a new centre back before Tuesday's deadline. Cooper made it one of his priorities to strengthen his options in the centre of defence and now looks to have got his man, despite the deal looking in jeopardy on Monday afternoon with Leverkusen's late interest.
The 33-year-old will add an abundance of top level experience to Forest's backline, which has been the joint second leakiest in the Premier League this season. That said, Felipe has played just 283 minutes of football in all competitions so far this season and so will need to get up to speed quickly to adapt to English football.
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Felipe has made a total of 113 appearances during his time at Atletico and was a regular when Diego Simeone's side lifted the La Liga title in 2020/21. The Brazilian is one of a number of signings Forest are still hoping to make before tomorrow's deadline, with Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey set to be the first.
Forest are also keen on a loan deal for PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas, though at this stage that is looking complicated with the French champions reluctant to sanction a move. Reports from Brazil also indicate Angelo Gabriel is close to joining from Santos.
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