Marseille have confirmed they are in talks to sell reported Nottingham Forest target Luis Henrique this summer.
The Reds and fellow Champions League chasers Newcastle United have been credited with an interest in the versatile attacker for some time. It was recently reported that both clubs had held discussions with the player’s representatives about a potential move.
Ahead of the transfer window opening next month, Marseille president Pablo Longoria has now addressed speculation about the player’s future - including suggestions Inter Milan are keen. And he has made clear the French club are eager for a quick sale as they look to balance the books before the June 30 accounting deadline.
Asked about Milan’s interest in Henrique in a press conference, Longoria said in a translated Q&A relayed by the club’s official website: “Not just with Inter Milan. We are in talks with various clubs.
“Our goal is to sell him before 30 June in accordance with our commitments to UEFA and the DNCG (the organisation responsible for monitoring and overseeing the accounts of French clubs). We started discussions during the season.
“The Club World Cup changed the timing. The market is moving quickly. There are discussions, we are looking to give him a way out.
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“I am proud that he has attracted the attention of big European clubs. During coronavirus I told him that I wanted him to play for a top European club.”
The transfer window will initially open for Premier League clubs on June 1 and will remain open until June 10. It will then reopen on June 16 before closing on September 1. In a statement, the Premier League said the change to this year’s window had been made “due to an exceptional registration period relating to the FIFA Club World Cup”.
The Reds were first linked with Henrique in January and were then said to have revived their interest in the Brazilian ahead of this summer. Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen have also been linked with him.
Reports have suggested Henrique’s preference is to join Inter Milan. The Italian giants are said to have reached an agreement over personal terms with the player but are struggling to do the same with his club - potentially opening the door for Forest and the Magpies.
The 23-year-old is said to have a price tag in the region of €30 million (£25m) on his head. Able to operate on either flank as a winger or a wing-back, he can also take up the No.10 role.
Strengthening at the top end of the pitch will be a key priority for Reds head coach Nuno Espirito Santo this summer. Forest are certain to be competing in Europe next season but it remains to be determined in which competition.
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