It seems Nottingham Forest have moved to the front of the queue of potential suitors for Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz, and it could be thanks to the club's head of football.
Forest have been linked throughout the summer transfer window with a move for the defensive midfielder, who left Aston Villa for Juventus in 2024.
Twenty-seven-year-old Luiz is reported to be available for loan with an obligation to buy in excess of €30million, according to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, who gives Forest priority in securing the player's services.
Luiz is partly represented by Iranian-born businessman Kia Joorabchian.
Kia Joorabchian
Kia Joorabchian is reportedly handling a phone call between Juventus and Forest on Tuesday.
Joorabchian's Sports Invest company represent several players who have played in the Premier League, including Luiz, Philippe Coutinho and Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee.
He has also acted on behalf of a number of previous signings for Arsenal while Edu Gaspar, now global head of football at Forest, held a technical director role there.
Willian, David Luiz and Cedric Soares, all linked with Joorabchian, were brought to the Emirates shortly after Edu was appointed technical director.
Edu (centre) at the City Ground watching Nottingham Forest against Everton
Edu (centre) has maintained a good relationship with Kia Joorabchian. (Image: PA)
It seems Edu's close relationship to the businessman could land Forest priority in signing Luiz, despite links with Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce and other Premier League sides.
Alfredo Pedulla reports that "a call with Nottingham Forest is expected to reach a complete agreement, under the direction of one of his agents, Kia Joorabchian."