Benfica have not given up on holding onto defender Alejandro Grimaldo amid reports linking him with a free transfer to Nottingham Forest and Fulham.
The Spanish left-back's contract with the Portuguese outfit expires this summer and it seems likely that he will leave the club when it does. With the player set to become a free agent clubs from the Premier League and across Europe have signalled their interest, including the Reds.
But Benfica have reportedly put Operation Renewal into action as they try to get Grimaldo to sign a contract extension, according to A Bola (via SportWitness). It is claimed that he has not committed to any club for now as he assesses his options.
READ MORE: Lewis O'Brien breaks silence after Forest transfer confirmed
SEE ALSO: Nottingham Forest transfer decision branded an 'absolute joke'
The Portuguese newspaper reports that Grimaldo is leaving the door open to potentially remaining at Benfica. But there is "still distance" between what the former Barcelona prospect is demanding and what the club are offering.
The report adds that Atletico Madrid are also monitoring the situation. Fulham, Nice, Real Sociedad, Valencia, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen have all been linked with the player in recent weeks.
Last week it was reported by The Athletic that Forest had held talks with Grimaldo ahead of a potential summer move. The club currently have three players in his position; Renan Lodi is on loan from Atletico Madrid, Omar Richards has been injured all season, while Harry Toffolo has only made six Premier League starts.
Grimaldo has played a big role in Benfica's Champions League campaign this term, providing two goals and three assists. The club are preparing to face Inter Milan in the quarter finals as they bid to reach the last four for the first time since 1990.
What do you think? Comment below!
READ NEXT:
- Forest 'willing to bid' for Barcelona transfer in summer window
- Keylor Navas on the end of bizarre blast from international manager
- Wayne Rooney reacts to 'brilliant' Nottingham Forest transfer
- Wales have Brennan Johnson fear ahead of Euro 2024 qualifiers
- Forest criticised for disciplinary track record in wake of Wolves bust-up
