Nottingham Forest are closing on a deal to sign Douglas Luiz from Juventus, potentially parting with a midfielder of their own to bring the Brazilian to the City Ground.
Following contact with Luiz’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, who has previously worked closely with Forest's Head of Global Football, Edu Gaspar, Tuttosport reports that a 'preliminary agreement' on wages has been reached.
The Turin-based outlet claim efforts to bring the defensive midfielder back to the Premier League, a year after he left Aston Villa for Italy, have intensified as Forest seek a loan-to-buy agreement.
Forest are claimed to be ready to pay in the region of €34m (£29.7m) for the player while Juve are hoping for nearer €40m (£35m) to part with the 27-year-old, with his loan becoming a permanent deal if the Reds qualify for European football again this coming season.
However, Gazzetta dello Sport is reporting a further complication - the use of current Forest star Ibrahim Sangaré as a potential bargaining chip as part of the Luiz deal, or his sale to Juve as a separate transaction.
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The Ivorian international has made 30 Premier League appearances for the Reds since arriving at the City Ground for £30m two summers ago, but he missed a large chunk of last season due to a serious hamstring injury.
Gazzetta dello Sport adds that Forest should have no issues meeting personal terms for Luiz and have ‘considerable confidence in the possibility of reaching an agreement quickly’.
Luiz featured in 19 league matches and six Champions League outings in his first year with the Old Lady after joining as part of a £44m deal with Villa. Muscular injuries kept him side-lined for 20 games.
It would make sense for Sangaré to be moved on to make room for Luiz in Forest's midfield. Gazetta claims that the Ivorian’s profile suits Juve manager Igor Tudor.
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