Nino remains Palmeiras’ top target as centre-back search widens to Facundo Medina and Igor Julio | OneFootball

Nino remains Palmeiras’ plan A for the next window, but the club have widened their centre-back search.

According to Globo.com, the scouting department are working on at least five alternatives to the Zenit defender, the latest being Facundo Medina.

Medina is contracted to Lens and on loan at Olympique de Marseille. The left-footer is 26, came through River Plate and emerged at Talleres in Córdoba.

Another long-standing target is Igor Julio, who came through Red Bull Brasil, moved early to RB Salzburg, and later impressed in Italy with Fiorentina.

Palmeiras lack left-footed options at centre-back. Gustavo Gómez, Murilo and Bruno Fuchs are right-footed, while 19-year-old Benedetti is left-sided but seldom used.

The club remain in contact with Nino’s representatives, who are handling negotiations with Zenit. Palmeiras believe they have pushed hard to make a deal possible, but any move depends on Russian approval after no release was granted in the last window.

Nino has shown interest in joining, attracted by being closer to family in Brazil. He was born in Recife and his family live in Greater São Paulo. With the window closed, patience is required, though there is internal optimism. He previously played for Sport, Criciúma and Fluminense, captaining the latter to a Libertadores title.

Source: Globo.com