Nottingham Forest are being linked with 'launching an attack' to sign Cremonese left-sided defender Emanuele Valeri once the January transfer window opens in the new year.
The 23-year-old wide player has caught the eye since the newly-promoted side returned to the top flight for the first time in 26 years. Valeri most notably caught the eye earlier this month with a late equaliser against Atalanta to secure just a second point of the season for his side.
A defender in name only, he has chipped in with an impressive 14 goals and 23 assists when rising through the divisions in Italy while representing the likes of Cesena and Lecce all the way from Serie D to this maiden season in Serie A. His current contract expires and Valeri, who turns 24 in December before any move could take place, has also been linked with more established top-flight sides in the country.
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Transfer talk
Evangelos Marinakis says Nottingham Forest’s promotion to the Premier League has had a knock-on effect for Olympiacos.
The shipping magnate owns both clubs and has overseen a significant summer shopping spree in England and in Greece. The Reds brought in 22 players, while Olympiacos have caught the eye by adding high-profile names such as James Rodriguez and Marcelo to their squad.
The duo have Forest signings Josh Bowler and Hwang Ui-jo as teammates, after they made the move on loan immediately after putting pen to paper at the City Ground. They will now have a new manager to impress as Spanish coach Michel has replaced Carlos Corberan at the helm.
Marinakis spoke to the media as Michel was officially unveiled. And he discussed the impact of owning both the Reds and Olympiacos on transfer business.
Flemming offer
Millwall midfielder Zian Flemming has revealed he received an offer from Nottingham Forest in the summer prior to his move to The Den.
The 24-year-old spent two seasons at the Eredivisie side Fortuna Sittard before completing the £1.7 million switch to London. The Dutchman has quickly established himself in Gary Rowett's team, starting in four of his side's seven games.
But it seems there could have had a different outcome had he not agreed to sign for the Lions, as other clubs chased his signature. Forest, who have had a rather busy summer by signing a total of 23 players, also had Flemming on their list of targets.
"I was really ready for it, both athletically and mentally," Flemming told Dutch media outlet Voetbal Primeur. "It didn’t necessarily have to be England, there were several clubs interested.
Pundits' verdict
Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper has been warned that his job could 'absolutely' be on the line if the Reds lose to Leicester City in next month's East Midlands derby, according to Ally McCoist.
A defeat at the King Power Stadium, which would be Forest' s fourth Premier League loss in a row, would leave them bottom of the table on goal difference with just four points from their opening eight games following promotion from the Championship. Should the result be reversed and the Reds record their first away league win of the season, then the pressure would only intensify further on Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, who now seems set to be in charge for at least their next match after the international break.
Plenty of pundits have been speculating about the future of Cooper at the City Ground following their downturn in results, after a win and a draw in August represented a strong start to life in the top flight. McCoist is just the latest and believes that a decision could hinge on his next match in charge.
Asked about Rodgers' future in charge of Forest's opponents, McCoist changed the course of discussion onto Cooper himself. "I think he’s bang in trouble if they don't beat Forest," he told talkSPORT Breakfast, "but I think they will beat Forest, and I think Steve Cooper will be in trouble.
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