Nottingham Forest defender Nicholas Ioannou is said to be closing on a return to Italy.
The 26-year-old spent last season on loan at Como 1907, and the Italian outfit are reportedly ready to take him on a permanent deal. It comes after the Reds signed left-back Harry Toffolo from Huddersfield Town on Wednesday, along with midfield teammate Lewis O’Brien, to take their total number of additions so far this summer up to 10.
According to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, an agreement is “close” between Forest and Como for Ioannou’s move, with confirmation “expected in the coming days”. The Reds are said to be “ready to hand over” Ioannou, having strengthened in that area of the pitch.
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As well as Toffolo, Omar Richards has put pen to paper for Steve Cooper’s squad. But the former Bayern Munich man is facing a spell on the sidelines having suffered a hairline fracture of the leg.
Ioannou was an unused substitute in Forest’s fourth pre-season friendly of the summer. He was the only outfield player not to get minutes on the pitch in a 3-1 victory over Hertha Berlin.
The Cypriot had featured in the matches against Coventry City, Burton Albion and Barnsley, prior to the midweek game. He made the switch to the City Ground two years ago from APOEL, but went on loan to Aris Thessaloniki the following January.
Cooper has been overseeing an overhaul of the Reds dressing room ahead of his team’s Premier League return next month. In addition to the 10 new faces, a number of players have headed in the opposite direction, either on loan or on permanent deals.
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