Roma are looking for a fee of €55 million for Nottingham Forest target Roger Ibanez this summer, according to reports in Italy.
Forest are said to have made an offer of €50 million for the centre-back as Steve Cooper looks to add to his defensive options. The Reds do however face reported competition from Saudi side Al Ahil.
Roma’s response to Forest’s reported bid has not been reported, but it is now suggested that the Serie A club are after a bigger fee. According to ForzaRoma , the club are looking for a fee of €55 million.
Corriere dello Sport, via SportWitness , also gave an update on the situation, claiming that Ibanez himself has set out his demands if a move to Forest is going to happen. It is claimed that the Brazilian will be looking for a salary offer of around €4-5 million a year to join Cooper’s side.
The report does however add that Forest are ‘serious’ about signing the defender, and could use the relationship between Evangelos Marinakis and Roma CEO Lina Souloukou in order to try and help the deal. The two have previously worked together at Forest’s sister club Olympiacos.
Ibanez’s agent gave an update on the situation on Friday, claiming that the player wants to stay and fight for his place at Roma.
“Ibanez is doing very well at Roma and wants to stay, he feels valued by the coach and his teammates,” het old TAG24 (via Tutto Mercato Web). “He is in love with the city and the fans, so he wants to continue to playing in the yellow and red shirt.
“He is totally concentrated in training and giving his best for the team. Naturally, if an offer arrives at the club, we will listen to it.”
Make no mistake – Nottingham Forest’s return to the Premier League was a roaring success.
Staying in the division was the aspiration and the primary goal, and it was mission successful.
There is no doubt that it was a turbulent first campaign back for Steve Cooper and his side, and now the emphasis will be on stability.
To mark another exciting season ahead Nottingham Forest, we have put together a bumper 48-page special for you to enjoy.
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It costs £3, on sale for advance order on the online shop NOW and in retail outlets from July 26.
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