Nottingham Forest set to sign Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest are closing in on a move for Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca (25) as they look to bolster their attacking options during a difficult winter period, according to reports from BBC Sport.

Forest are poised to complete a loan deal for the 25-year-old Italy international, which would include an option to buy at the end of the season. Lucca is expected to travel to England imminently to finalise the transfer, with negotiations progressing swiftly.

Head coach Sean Dyche has been keen to add a forward since top scorer Chris Wood was ruled out indefinitely after undergoing knee surgery in December. With goals proving hard to come by, Lucca has emerged as a practical and attainable solution for a side fighting to preserve its Premier League status.

Lucca joined Napoli from Udinese last summer but has struggled for regular minutes under Antonio Conte, making just four league starts. Despite limited opportunities, he has scored in both Serie A and the Coppa Italia, while his record of 14 league goals for Udinese last season underlines his potential at this level.

Forest’s interest in Lucca reflects a wider reassessment of their squad. Napoli left-back Mathías Olivera is also being monitored, while Wolves striker Jørgen Strand Larsen has been considered as an alternative attacking option.

Currently 17th in the table and five points clear of the relegation zone, Forest view the addition of Lucca as a timely reinforcement as they prepare for a pivotal second half of the season, both domestically and in Europe.

GFN | Finn Entwistle