Nottingham Forest are likely to face stern competition should they pursue their interest in Manchester City youngster Carlos Borges.
The Reds have been linked with the talented 19-year-old as they look to strengthen their options at the top end of the pitch this summer. “Preliminary” talks were said to have taken place over the £11 million-rated attacker, although a loan was also mooted as a possibility.
West Ham United have also been credited with an interest in Borges. However, reports from Italy suggest a move to Europe might be on the cards.
According to MediaGol, Palermo are eyeing up the teenager. And they are reportedly hoping being under the City Football Group banner will count in their favour, following a takeover by the Premier League champions’ owners last summer.
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Bolstering their attacking options will be near the top of Forest’s to-do list ahead of the upcoming campaign. It has been a quiet start to the window at the City Ground, but activity is expected to ramp up next month, once players return for pre-season.
The Reds find themselves still waiting for Manchester United’s goalkeeping situation to be resolved, with that delaying the possibility of getting a deal done for Dean Henderson. Our sister title the Manchester Evening News has confirmed the shot-stopper was at his parent club’s Carrington training ground today as he continues his rehabilitation from injury.
Left-back is also a key area to be addressed this summer, although it remains to be seen whether Omar Richards will be fit to play a part. Midfield and central defensive options also need looking at, and a winger is on the shopping list, too.
Just as much focus will be on overseeing outgoings, however. The Reds need to trim numbers.
The end of June marks the official departure of those players released at the end of their deals. Jack Colback, Jordan Smith, Jesse Lingard, Andre Ayew, Lyle Taylor and Cafu have all been let go.
Other players will follow, with a number of fringe players likely to depart. Emmanuel Dennis has already been linked with a switch to Leeds United, and others such as Steve Cook, Jonjo Shelvey and Remo Freuler face uncertain futures.
Decisions are also looming over Lewis O’Brien (DC United) and Richie Laryea (Toronto) as their MLS loans come to an end. Talks have previously taken place with regards to a permanent switch for Laryea, while Wayne Rooney has indicated he would like O’Brien to stay on.
