Now preparing for European football next season, Nottingham Forest have reportedly joined the race to sign a Premier League rival who is valued at around £29m this summer.
Nottingham Forest qualify for Europa League
Although their afternoon centred around the disappointment of a 2-2 draw against Leicester City and Taiwo Awoniyi's injury last time out, Nottingham Forest still had Europa League qualification to celebrate. No matter what happens in the final two Premier League games, those at the City Ground will be back on the European stage next season, and that in itself is certainly worth applauding.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis sent a similar reminder to fans whilst clarifying his conversation with Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitch following the Leicester game. The Greek owner said in a statement: "Today is a day for celebration, because after 30 years Nottingham Forest is now guaranteed to be competing on the European stage once again – a promise I made to our supporters when we achieved promotion!
McAtee-Savinho-Bernardo-Silva Related
[Nottingham Forest set to make serious move to sign "special" want-away star](https://www.footballfancast.com/nottingham-forest-set-to-make-serious-move-to-sign-want-away-mcatee/ "Nottingham Forest set to make serious move to sign "special" want-away star")
They're leading the race.
“With two more games to go in the Premier League, we must keep believing and keep dreaming, right to the final kick in the final game. We are extremely proud and close to Nuno and the team, and we must all celebrate the historic achievements of this season.
“Everybody – coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself – we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgment on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club. Let’s all be grateful, passionate and keep on dreaming!”
Nuno will certainly be hoping to see his side put last weekend behind them when they square off against West Ham United on Sunday. Meanwhile, with European football secured, Marinakis has already reportedly set his sights on signing a midfield rival.
Nottingham Forest racing to sign Pereira
According to TNT Sports Brasil, as relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are now racing to sign Andreas Pereira from Fulham this summer and will have to offer around €35m (£29m) to get any deal over the line.
Of course, it's not the first time that the Brazilian has found himself on Forest's radar. As per reports, Marinakis and the Midlands club entered talks to sign Pereira last summer only for Fulham to turn their proposal down. With European football to offer these days, however, Forest could now push on and secure their year-long target.
andreas-pereira-fulham
Whether the Cottagers remain reluctant to sell Pereira remains to be seen, though. Manager Marco Silva will certainly be keen to keep the 29-year-old, having previously told reporters when asked about the Fulham star in 2022: "He has been outstanding this season. I know a lot of people had doubts when I decided to sign him but I knew his qualities and his character.
“Even last season we had a conversation about his future, but it wasn’t the right moment for him to join us. He’s a key player on and off the ball and with set pieces. Two assists this afternoon. A top professional who is enjoying himself at the moment in a white shirt.”