Nottingham Forest are considered “favourites” to land Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer.
The 25-year-old first emerged as a potential target for the Reds last month. Bolstering their forward options is a priority ahead of the new season and Vlahovic’s representatives were said to have been in touch with the club.
A departure from Juve in the coming weeks looks likely for the Serbia international. And although he is not short of admirers, it is Forest who are said to be in pole position for his signature.
The reds are “leading the race” for Vlahovic, according to TEAMtalk. A switch to the City Ground is viewed as “the most concrete option” for the forward as things stand.
A €30 million (£25.6m) price tag has been placed on the player’s head. However, Vlahovic is said to be planning to take his time to decide his next move and remains open to proposals.
AC Milan are said to be keen on snapping him up but wage demands could prove to be a sticking point for the Italian side. And finances are seemingly at the heart of why Vlahovic could leave Juve.
His contract with the Serie A giants has just a year left to run and talks about an extension are said to be “difficult”. Juventus will reportedly make a “last attempt” to agree a new deal on a lower salary, but the exit door beckons if talks fail.
Testing himself in the Premier League is said to appeal to Vlahovic. His friendship with Serbia teammate and Forest defender Nikola Milenkovic could tempt him to the banks of the Trent.
Manchester United were said to have held talks with the front man’s agents. However, the Old Trafford outfit are apparently not considering a move for him at present.
Forest have all-but already got one forward signing over the line. Botafogo ace Igor Jesus is expected to link up with Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad after the Club World Cup.
Centre-back teammate Jair Cunha is also in line to make the move alongside Jesus. The Reds are still hopeful of completing a triple swoop from the Brazilian side as left-back Cuiabano is also on their radar.
Forest will go into the new season looking to kick on again after finishing seventh in the Premier League last time out. With the addition of Conference League games in 2025/26, ensuring head coach Nuno has adequate strength in depth to cope with European football will be key.
