Nottingham Forest transfer latest as Brazil…

Nottingham Forest transfer latest as Brazil international talks begin and Awoniyi edges closer

It is 45 days and counting until Nottingham Forest kick off their first Premier League season for 23 years against Newcastle United at St James' Park

As the team with the shortest turnaround time between seasons after securing promotion to the top-flight through the Championship play-offs, it is perhaps not surprising that little transfer business has been confirmed to date. The only arrival has been that of teenage former Millwall goalkeeper Ryan Hammond, who signed earlier this week and will initially join the club's under-23s.

Other than that it has only been exits to date, with Jayden Richardson joining Aberdeen for an undisclosed fee and Tunisia international Mohamed Dräger being loaned to Swiss side FC Luzern until the end of the 2022/23 season. Nine players are also set to be released at the end of this month, including Tobias Figueiredo who has been linked with Hull City.

While no senior signings have been secured as of yet, that is expected to change in the coming weeks as Forest aim to bolster their squad for the challenges of the Premier League and try their best to replace last season's loanees. Nottinghamshire Live takes a look at the speculation today around the Reds...

READ: Nottingham Forest 'open talks' with Brazil international over transfer

READ: Fulham 'preparing' bid for Nottingham Forest transfer target as alternative lined up

Forest 'open talks' with Brazil international

Forest are reportedly interested in signing Brazil international Gustavo Scarpa this summer. The 28 year-old has spent the last four-and-a-half years at back-to-back Copa Libertadores champions Palmeiras, playing the full 90 minutes in last year's extra-time win over fellow Brazilian side Flamengo.

Scarpa is currently still in the middle of his season as the Brazilian league begins in April and ends in November. Mainly deployed as an attacking midfielder or as a left winger, Scarpa has scored seven goals and assisted another seven across all competitions this calendar year.

Liverpool old boy in 'advanced' talks

Forest are reportedly in 'advanced' talks to sign former Liverpool centre-forward Taiwo Awoniyi for a club-record £17.5 million transfer fee. Nottinghamshire Live understands that the 24 year-old is a target and that a deal has been discussed.

The Nigeria international left Liverpool last summer after spending six years on the books at Anfield without making an appearance. Awoniyi joined Union Berlin, where the striker spent the previous season on loan, for £6.5m and went on to score 20 goals across all competitions last season.

Forest want £20m Henderson fee

Forest want to include an option to buy in any deal to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson on loan until the end of the season. The 24-year-old spent last season benched behind number one goalkeeper David De Gea and made just three appearances, none of which were in the Premier League.

Henderson is understood to be keen on the move and would replace wantaway Brice Samba in goal next season if a deal can be agreed. Whether Forest can find a breakthrough in their attempts to include an option to buy that will reportedly be priced at £20 million remains to be seen.

Samba saga takes fresh twist

Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba is understood he is ready to return to France with Ligue 1 side Lens believed to be the most likely destination. The 28-year-old has stalled talks after being offered a new contract by the club this summer.

Reports that Forest's new deal was offered on the same terms as Samba's existing deal were met by frustration at the club. Over the weekend Samba was shown doing gym work in a video filmed and posted on social media by former Forest midfielder Guy Moussi.

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