Nottingham Forest are said to have their eye on Benfica defender Morato as transfer deadline day nears.
The Reds have made three signings so far this summer, bringing in goalkeeper Matt Turner, defender Ola Aina and attacker Anthony Elanga. But they are targeting further additions before the window closes next week, with a number of areas still in need of strengthening.
Central defence is one of the positions Forest have identified as being in need of reinforcements. And according to reports in Portugal, Morato is on their radar.
Mais Futebol say the Reds have made a 30 million euros (£25.6m) bid for the Brazilian. Benfica are reportedly “not very interested in selling” the 22-year-old, but haven’t yet taken a “concrete position” on Forest’s offer.
Premier League rivals Fulham have already seen a 25m euros (£21m) bid for the player rebuffed this summer. Rennes have also been credited with an interest, although they haven’t yet made an official offer.
Morato has four more years left on his deal with Benfica, which runs until June 2027. It is reported the contract includes a 100m euros (£85m) release clause.
Full-back Gonzalo Montiel looks set to become the fourth new arrival of the summer at the City Ground. Further incomings, as well as outgoings, are expected before the September 1 deadline.
“It’s obviously a slow market – there’s not loads going on across the board in the Premier League. If we’re able to do some things, fantastic. If not, then we continue and believe in the guys we have,” head coach Steve Cooper said last week.
Whatever situation it is, we’ll commit 100 percent to it. But there is a lot of hard work going on. We’re really aligned in what we’d like to do with signings – from myself to Ross (Wilson, chief football officer) and the owner (Evangelos Marinakis). If we can get things done, great. If not, we’ll still commit as we do.
“We’re not desperate to fill anything. Like any manager you can speak to, you’re always looking for the opportunity to strengthen, whether that’s strengthen the team or the squad, depending on the situation of the club. We’re no different.
“We would like to bring players in, and everyone at the club is working hard on that. If we do, great. But it is easier said than done, and if we don’t bring players in it won’t be for the lack of trying from everybody. If we don’t, we’ve got a team we believe in and we’ve got a squad we believe in, and we’ll go to work.”
