Nottingham Forest, Nuno Espirito Santo, Borja Sainz
(Credit: Imago)
Mick Brown
Fri 20 June 2025 7:00, UK
Nottingham Forest are preparing to step up their interest in Norwich City star Borja Sainz amid interest from the likes of Athletic Bilbao and Porto.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 24-year-old will leave Carrow Road this summer.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are prepared to battle European rivals for his signature and feel they can offer better wages and the chance to play in the Premier League.
Football Insider revealed in 28 February that Norwich are bracing for offers for Sainz and could cash in as he is entering the final year of his contract.
The Spaniard, who finished joint-second in the race for the Championship golden boot with 18 goals, has emerged as a key target for a number of top clubs.
Forest are aiming to strengthen their squad to participate in the Europa Conference League and are targeting a winger amid doubts over Anthony Elanga‘s future.
Norwich City star Borja Sainz
Borja Sainz is a target for Nottingham Forest. (Credit: Imago)
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Nottingham Forest working on Borja Sainz deal
Brown told Football Insider on 13 June that Forest are working on signing Elanga’s replacement with multiple names already on their list this summer.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted Nuno wants to add a new source of goals to his squad ahead of next season.
“*Nottingham Forest will look to strengthen,*” he told Football Insider.
“Their recruitment has been excellent recently, and they’re able to bring players into an environment where they all work together for the club.
“Their scouts will have been working hard and looking at Sainz because he’s one they want to sign.
“It looks like he will be leaving Norwich.
“Not only will they know his qualities on the pitch, but they’ll know how he’ll gel with the squad.
“He scores plenty of goals which is always a boost, the manager wants to add more goals to his squad so they’re not relying on Wood to work his magic again.
“They’re looking in the Championship market because there’s a lot of value to be had there.
“I hear he has suitors, including big clubs like Bilbao and Porto, but Forest being in the Premier League and Europe could give the edge.
“They’ll be able to offer better wages and the chance to play in the Premier League.
“So whether they can get a deal done remains to be seen, but it’s something they could look to do because they’ve done their homework on him.”
Nuno Espirito Santo wants to add quality to his squad. (Credit: Imago)
Kostas Tsimikas update emerges at the City Ground
Forest are looking to strengthen their squad overall this summer, not just on the wing, and they are now considering a move to sign Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas.
Brown told Football Insider on 17 June that Forest are considering a move to sign Tsimikas as one of a number of options on their left-back shortlist.
Forest used Neco Williams as their first-choice left-back for the majority of the season, with Ola Aina occupying the right-back spot, but they now want a specialist.
However, Brown told Football Insider in May that Leeds are also interested in signing Tsimikas and will rival Forest for his signature.
For more Nottingham Forest and exclusive news, follow us onFacebook or join our brand newWhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts