da betcris： Nottingham Forest have now made an offer for a “fantastic” 33-cap international, and negotiations are currently ongoing.

Forest set out to strengthen defence

da wazamba： After qualifying for the Europa League last season, Forest have massively underperformed this term, with Sean Dyche’s side currently 17th in the Premier League table, and their poor standing could perhaps be partly explained by a lack of depth in some key areas.

Igor Jesus has led the line for the Tricky Trees, but seven of the Brazilian’s eight goals this season have been scored in the cup competitions, and Dyche isn’t exactly blessed with back-up options.

Arnaud Kalimuendo flattered to deceive prior to joining Eintracht Frankfurt on loan, failing to score in nine Premier League outings, and Chris Wood has been sidelined since mid-October due to a knee injury, with the New Zealander perhaps in the latter stages of his career at 34-years-old.

As such, Evangelos Marinakis & co have set out to sign a new striker this month, and Napoli’s Lorenzo Lucca is among the main targets, with the 25-year-old potentially in line to join on loan, in a deal that could include a £30m option to buy.

Dyche also hasn’t been blessed with options at left-back, with Oleksandr Zinchenko failing to force his way into the manager’s plans since returning from a groin injury at the beginning of December, featuring just twice in the Premier League.

Consequently, Nottingham Forest are now keen on signing a new left-back, and a report from TuttoMercatoWeb has revealed they have made an opening offer for Napoli defender Mathias Olivera, which was rejected by the Italian club.

Despite the initial bid being turned down, negotiations are ongoing, which suggests a deal could still be possible, although alternative options are also being explored, with Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas, who is currently on loan at AS Roma, among the targets.

Nottingham Forest ready to make £16m bid and hijack move for "amazing" forward

Forest are looking to replace Arnaud Kalimuendo.

ByDominic Lund "Fantastic" Olivera could challenge for Williams' starting spot

Neco Williams hasn’t had much competition at left-back this season, with Zinchenko struggling due to injury, but there are signs the Napoli defender could be capable of pushing for the Welshman’s starting spot.

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Hailed as “fantastic” by coach Martin Rafelt, the 33-cap Uruguay international played a key role for Napoli as they secured the Serie A title last season, making 32 appearances, during which time he contributed three assists.

The 28-year-old has showcased his defensive attributes in the Serie A this season too, averaging 1.6 tackles per match, the third-highest number of any Napoli player, while also impressing for Uruguay and displaying his versatility by featuring at centre-back.

Nottingham Forest definitely need to bring in a new left-back to challenge for Williams’ place in the side, and Olivera could be a solid option, with his versatility an added bonus.