Atletico Madrid are said to be keen for Nottingham Forest to exercise their purchase option for defender Renan Lodi.
The left-back was one of 22 signings made by the Reds in the summer as they prepared for life in the Premier League. He penned a season-long loan at the City Ground from the Spanish club, with Forest holding an option to make his move permanent.
The Brazilian is yet to really impress Trentside, however. He has made six appearances for Steve Cooper’s side so far, although did recently have a spell on the sidelines due to an ankle sprain.
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He returned to the starting XI for last Sunday’s 5-0 thumping at Arsenal, with Neco Williams the man to miss out. But Lodi endured a tough afternoon at the Emirates Stadium and was substituted in the second half.
Spanish media outlet AS acknowledge the 24-year-old is finding it difficult in the Premier League. And whether or not his performances improve will have an impact on Forest’s decision over his future.
Atletico are said to have a 30m euros (£25m) hole that they need to plug, following elimination from the Champions League at the group stage. Losing the revenue which comes with progression in Europe has left them in “a big mess”.
As a result, the club will reportedly “listen to winter offers for a large part of its squad”. It is made clear that doesn’t mean a fire sale, with only reasonable offers considered, but January exits will be “more feasible than ever”.
Lodi is listed as among those who could help solve his parent side’s problems by being sold to raise funds. AS claim it “would leave money if the English (club) exercised their purchase option”. But they add, “at the moment he is not showing a great performance”.
Forest’s purchase option for the full-back is reported to be worth £25m (29m euros). It is likely he will need to make a much bigger impact than he has done so far for the Reds to consider shelling out that fee.
In addition to Lodi, the Reds have Harry Toffolo and Omar Richards as left-back options on their books. However, both are currently injured, with the latter yet to make his debut due to being out of action with a hairline fracture of the leg. Williams and Serge Aurier are also capable of playing on the left flank.
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