Nottingham Forest are now making enquiries over a summer deal for an "underrated" forward, who is expected to have an asking price of around £20m, according to a report.
Nottingham Forest gearing up for European adventure
Having managed to qualify for a European competition for the first time since 1996, Forest may need to improve their squad depth in the upcoming transfer window, and they have now started to identify potential targets in a range of different positions.
Despite missing out on Champions League due to the 1-0 defeat against Chelsea on the final day, the Tricky Trees may still be in a strong position to attract quality players from some top clubs, courtesy of securing qualification for the Europa Conference League.
With Morgan Gibbs-White being heavily linked with a move away from the City Ground, however, it may be particularly important to bring in new attacking options, who are capable of providing goals and assists on a regular basis.
According to a report from GiveMeSport, Nottingham Forest have a new target in mind who could fit the bill in that regard, having now started to make enquiries about a potential summer deal for SC Freiburg forward Ritsu Doan.
Forest are now stepping up their pursuit of Doan, but there could be competition for his signature from Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt, with the Bundesliga sides known to be admirers.
SC Freiburg's Ritsu Doan in action with Bayern Munich's Serge Gnabry
Frankfurt are currently preparing an offer for the Freiburg star, so the Tricky Trees may have to move quickly if they are to secure his signature, with an offer in the region of £20m likely to be deemed acceptable by the forward's current employers.
"Underrated" Doan impressing in the Bundesliga
The Japanese winger enjoyed an impressive 2024-25 campaign in Germany, picking up a combined 19 goals and assists in 36 matches in all competitions, during which time he also received praise from football talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Not only that, but the 26-year-old is also willing and able to pitch in defensively, ranking in the 92nd percentile for tackles per 90, and the 95th percentile for clearances over the past year, when compared to other wingers and attacking midfielders.
Liverpool's Harvey Elliott, Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool's Jarell Quansah celebrate as Liverpool's Mohamed Salah is seen with Leicester City's Jamie Vardy Related
[Nottingham Forest now "want to do" deal for "amazing" £50m Liverpool player](https://www.footballfancast.com/nottingham-forest-now-want-to-do-deal-for-jarell-quansah/ "Nottingham Forest now "want to do" deal for "amazing" £50m Liverpool player")
The Tricky Trees are eager to sign a Premier League gem, as they prepare for a European campaign next season.
As such, Doan could be a bargain signing for Nottingham Forest at just £20m this summer, at which point Nuno Espirito Santo may have to bring in at least one new winger, amid recent reports that Manchester United are now considering a move for Callum Hudson-Odoi.