Nottingham Forest are potentially looking at strengthening their rearguard during the summer transfer window.
The Reds finished in seventh place during the 2024/25 campaign, and as a result, the UEFA Conference League will be on the cards next season.
Forest haven’t been in European competition for 30 years, and qualification was largely secured based on vast improvement from the 2023/24 campaign defensively.
Nikola Milenkovic was a sensational signing, and his partnership with Murillo allowed the team to really kick on last season.
Now, it would appear that the club are keen to strengthen the defensive ranks further, with links to defenders seemingly rife.
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
Leeds now want Nottingham Forest target Jaka Bijol
Udinese are set to cash in on the Slovenia defender and now Leeds have presented terms to the centre-back, according to Football Italia.
Bijol is available for £18 million and Forest have also been monitoring the player, with the club looking for another bargain from Serie A after their masterclass with Milenkovic.
The report claims that both Premier League clubs might be fighting a losing battle, however, with AC Milan thought to be leading the race for his signature.
MORE FOREST STORIES
Bijol has been with Udinese since 2022 when he checked in from CSKA Moscow. During his time with the Italian outfit, he’s made 95 appearances and has also been capped 62 times by his country.
Forest would welcome defensive reinforcements
Morato has been the first-choice option from the bench recently, but he’s not been quite so consistent when starting games, which does provide a cause for some concern.
Furthermore, Willy Boly will depart at the end of his contract, whilst young academy prospect Zach Abbott is still young and relatively raw when it comes to first-team football.
With that in mind, some more cover for Milenkovic and Murillo wouldn’t go amiss, with the experience of Bijol likely to be ideal for Forest if a deal does come to fruition this summer.
With Milan hot on his heels, Forest might have to sit this one out. However, a new defender does look to be forthcoming this summer, and it would appear that some cover wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.