Nottingham Forest have reportedly launched a surprise move for Manchester City gem Rico Lewis, with sources revealing to Nottingham Forest News how the 20-year-old feels about the interest.
The Reds and City are no strangers to each other this summer, with Forest set to sign James McAtee after a summer of speculation surrounding his future at the Etihad Stadium.
McAtee could be signed before the Brentford game which would be a major boost for Nuno Espírito Santo who is looking for more quality beyond his starting XI, something he may well be going back to City for.
Reports have suggested that Forest have made a move to sign Lewis, so Nottingham Forest News has spoken to transfer expert Graeme Bailey about how the Englishman feels about the Reds’ interest.
Rico Lewis in action for Manchester City against Wydad AC.
Photo by Heuler Andrey/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Rico Lewis’ thoughts on Nottingham Forest speculation
With the ability to play at left and right-back as well as in defensive midfield, Lewis is one of the more promising talents in European football.
Therefore, he’d be a real coup for Forest if a deal could be done with City, but Bailey has revealed his doubts over the speculation.
He said: “A number of clubs, Forest being one of them, were made aware by intermediaries that Lewis might be available. They like him, clearly, as a lot of clubs do.
“City, for their part, are talking to him about a new deal, which is clearly where this is stemming from. Should Lewis leave, he would be in excess of £50m. The player isn’t looking to leave.”
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Clearly, any deal for Lewis revolves around City’s contract talks, so Forest will be keeping an eye out in case Pep Guardiola’s side can’t secure his future. The Reds are aware of his abilities, though, seeing it first hand last season at Wembley.
Rico Lewis has already punished Nottingham Forest before
Forest’s incredible 24/25 campaign also saw them reach the semi-final of the FA Cup, coming up against Manchester City in their first trip to Wembley since the play-off final in 2022.
It wasn’t to be for the Reds, whose main positive was Zach Abbott’s promising display against City, but on the opposite side, Lewis was showing just why he’s earned his place under Guardiola.
With remarkable ease for a full-back, Lewis swivelled with the ball on the edge of the box and fired home to give City the lead after two minutes, making Forest’s task even harder than it already was.
Lewis is clearly the level of talent that Forest would love to bring to the club, but his displays in a City shirt at just 20 make it seem unlikely that they’ll let him go.