Forest ‘express interest’ in Solly March, defender blow, midfield stance | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest are plotting a pivotal summer under Vitor Pereira, with Solly March emerging as a potential addition ahead of the window.

TEAMtalk reports that Brighton will not trigger the 12-month option on March’s deal, leaving the 31-year-old available on a free. Forest are among several clubs to have shown interest, alongside Newcastle, Everton, Crystal Palace and Fulham, with Coventry and Ipswich also firmly in the race. West Ham and Wolves are credited with Championship interest, though March is said to favour staying at the highest level.

Premier League trading reopens on June 15 for the 2026/27 season. Pereira wants early deals and minimal disruption as Forest target a push for Europe and steer clear of another relegation fight.

Wide areas were bolstered last summer with Dan Ndoye, Omari Hutchinson and Dilane Bakwa, but returns were mixed and there has been talk of Ndoye moving on.

Forest have also eyed centre-back Nobel Mendy. An offer had been mooted, comprising a fixed fee plus bonuses, but Rayo Vallecano hold an option to buy after his loan from Real Betis and that appears likely to be taken, reducing Forest’s chances.

Gremio’s left-footed defender Viery is another name under consideration.

In midfield, Forest saw three winter bids for Celtic’s Arne Engels rejected despite a sizeable package. The position is set for attention this summer, with Elliot Anderson likely to attract bids that could leave a gap. Hayden Hackney and Davide Frattesi have been linked, and Forest may yet be encouraged to revisit Engels.

Source: Nottingham Post