Nottingham Forest remain interested in Mateus Fernandes | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Southampton midfield ace Mateus Fernandes this summer (h/t the Telegraph).

Fernandes would be a stellar addition for Forest after catching the eye at Southampton last term following his move from Sporting CP.

The 21-year-old bagged three times and six assists in 43 appearances.

Former midfielder Jo Tessem told BBC Radio Solent Southampton podcast that Fernandes ‘is becoming an ultimate Premier League midfielder’.

West Ham have already had a £30 million bid for the Nottingham Forest target rejected. Southampton want around £58m.

If Forest can negotiate the fee down to around £40m, it would represent outstanding value for a player of his age, talent and trajectory.

Fernandes has been praised by former managers Ivan Juric and Russell Martin.

His energy in midfield, combined with his creativity, would give Forest both a reliable engine and a match-winning edge in key fixtures.

Forest are preparing for a return to Europe for the first time in nearly 30 years. They are in the Europa League and can attract a higher calibre of players this summer.

The Nottinghamshire outfit have already signed Dan Ndoye, and are close to agreeing deals for James McAtee and Omari Hutchinson.

The Tricky Trees are not done in the market with other Arnaud Kalimuendo, Yunus Musah, Adama Traore, and Fernandes also on the radar.

Callum Hudson-Odoi is close to agreeing a new contract with Forest. His original contract was a three-year deal and is set to expire next summer.