REUTERS/Juan Barbosa
Nottingham Forest have entered late talks to sign Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Larsson, after missing out on Everton's Harrison Armstrong.
The Toffees have opted against selling Armstrong, following backlash from their supporters, which means Forest will have to move on to alternative targets in central midfield, and Larsson could be an exciting option, given that he's been likened to Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.
Como scout Ben Mattinson said: "When giving the eye test on Larsson he’s very similar to Bellingham stylistically and was initially my pick to replace Jude at Dortmund but he suits Frankfurt very well and they’re building a top team. Excited to see how he settles in."
RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons in action with Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Larsson
The Swedish maestro doesn't get on the scoresheet as regularly as Bellingham, picking up ten goals and seven assists in 119 matches for Eintracht Frankfurt, but he has received plaudits for his work-rate from Mattinson.
"His real strengths are in progressing the ball. He has insane running power & stamina for his age. He’s a top ball-carrier & will become a transitional monster. Perfect for teams who play a counter attacking style (basically every top Bundesliga team including Frankfurt)."
Moreover, the Frankfurt star is comfortable in possession of the ball, as displayed by the fact he averaged 44.2 accurate passes per 90 in the Bundesliga last season, which was more than any Forest player managed in the Premier League, barring Elliot Anderson.
Ranking Nottingham Forest's top passers Accurate passes per 90
1. Elliot Anderson 55.0
2. Morato 43.3
3. Murillo 39.9
4. Ibrahim Sangare 35.9
5. Nikola Milenkovic 35.5
As such, following Anderson's departure, the Tricky Trees could do with bringing in another midfielder capable of retaining possession, and they have now stepped up their pursuit of the Sweden international.
Nottingham Forest open talks to sign Hugo Larsson
Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Larsson in action with RB Leipzig's Christoph Baumgartner
Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Larsson in action with RB Leipzig's Christoph Baumgartner
According to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Nottingham Forest have opened talks to sign Larsson, who is now open to a move to the Premier League, with a number of clubs queuing up to secure his signature.
Fulham, Everton, Hull City, Brentford and Brighton have also made enquiries about the 22-year-old, who is set to be available for an affordable fee, with Frankfurt holding out for around £25m.
That is despite the fact the central midfielder remains under contract with the German side until 2029, and he was an important player last season, making 34 appearances in all competitions, including seven in the Champions League.
Forest may need to move swiftly if they are going to win the race for the former Malmo FF man though, as Crystal Palace and Fulham's interest is the most advanced at this stage.
In fact, Larsson has already been in London for talks, which has meant he is still yet to make an appearance for Frankfurt since the start of the new season.