Nottingham Forest have reportedly moved to fend off suitors for Callum Hudson-Odoi by working on a new deal for the winger.
The 24-year-old was key for the Reds last season as they finished seventh in the Premier League to qualify for Europe. But with just 12 months remaining on his current contract at the City Ground other clubs are sniffing around Hudson-Odoi.
Talk of Napoli, AC Milan and Roma eyeing the wide man has been doing the rounds for some time. It appears the former are now particularly keen to try to prise him away from Forest.
According to Football Italia, Napoli boss Antonio Conte has “specifically requested” to be reunited with Hudson-Odoi after the pair worked together at Chelsea. The Italian is said to have made a list of transfer targets for this summer, with the Reds ace included on it.
There is also interest in Hudson-Odoi closer to home. Manchester United are said to be keeping tabs on his situation Trentside.
United reportedly enquired about the player’s availability in January but were met with a defiant response from Forest. They could try their luck again but it is said the Reds are “refusing to budge” and are “desperate” to get one of their star men tied to a new contract.
“Talks are ongoing and Forest have presented him with a new deal,” a source close to the player told The Sun. “But let’s see, because there is also interest from clubs abroad, like Napoli and Roma, but it’s early days.”
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Hudson-Odoi joined the Reds from Chelsea in the summer of 2023. The initial £3 million Forest paid to sign him has long since proved to be a bargain.
Although a hamstring injury hindered him in the latter stages of the 2024/25 campaign, the winger enjoyed a fine season for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. He made 36 appearances and scored five goals across all competitions.
The aim for the Reds now is to kick on once again as they look ahead to the new term. They will test themselves on the continent for the first time in three decades after securing a place in the Conference League.
If they are to continue progressing, ensuring they finish the transfer window with strength in depth across the pitch will be vital. Out wide is an area where Forest will look to bolster their options before the September 1 deadline.
They brought in Ramon Sosa and Jota Silva last summer, to provide competition and cover for Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga. But both newcomers struggled for regular game time and have been linked with moves away.
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