Roma manager Jose Mourinho made his feelings on reported Nottingham Forest target Ainsley Maitland-Niles clear at the end of his loan spell in Italy.
The Arsenal man spent the second half of the season on a temporary deal in the Italian capital where he made 12 appearances under the former Tottenham and Manchester United manager. Although he had to settle mainly for a place on the bench.
As the player, who can play full-back or in midfield looks for more game time, a move to Nottingham Forest has reportedly become a possibility. Forest are said to have made the 24-year-old a ‘priority’ in the transfer window.
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Recent reports have even identified Maitland-Niles as a possible replacement for wing-back Djed Spence, who is becoming more and more likely to move from Middlesbrough to Tottenham.
Steve Cooper is keen to add to his squad in the summer as he prepares his side for life in the Premier League. The Forest boss has previously worked with Maitland-Niles in the England youth ranks before the coach moved into club management.
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And it seems that Mourinho has given his Maitland-Niles blessing should Forest pursue a move. Following his final game at the Stadio Olimpico, Maitland-Niles took to social media to send a message to the Roma fans, after being part of the squad to lift the inaugural Europa Conference League.
"Great way to end the season thank you to the Roma fans, players and staff for embracing me and believing in me as one of their own for the short period of time spend at the club what an experience and to be a part of history with the club,” he wrote on Instagram.
That post prompted a response from Mourinho who simply wrote: “We will miss you/one of us,” in the comments section.
The Arsenal man has one year remaining on his deal at the Emirates Stadium with reports that the Gunners could be ready to sell the player this year. He has spent the second half of the 2020/21 season on loan with West Bromwich Albion where he played 15 times.
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