Nottingham Forest remain interested in Mateus Fernandes

Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Southampton midfield ace Mateus Fernandes this summer (The Telegraph).

The Tricky Trees want more additions after James McAtee and Fernandes remains ‘high on their list’. It remains to be seen if they can get him to the City Ground.

Fernandes would be a stellar addition for Forest after catching the eye at Southampton last term following his move from Sporting CP.

The 21-year-old netted three times and recorded six assists in 43 appearances.

Former midfielder Jo Tessem told BBC Radio Solent Southampton podcast that Fernandes ‘is becoming an ultimate Premier League midfielder.’

West Ham have already seen a £30 million bid for the Nottingham Forest target rejected, with Southampton asking for around £58 million.

If Forest can negotiate the fee down to around £40 million, it would represent outstanding value for a player of his age, talent, and trajectory.

Fernandes has drawn praise from former coaches Ivan Juric and Russell Martin.

He has been lauded for his relentless work rate, tactical intelligence, and strong mentality, qualities Forest need in the Premier League next season.

His energy in midfield, combined with his creativity, would give Nottingham Forest both a reliable engine and a match-winning edge in key fixtures.

Forest are preparing for a return to Europe for the first time in nearly 30 years and need quality additions to the ranks.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men are now in the Europa League and can pull a higher calibre of players this summer.

The Nottinghamshire outfit have already signed Dan Ndoye and are close to agreeing deals for James McAtee and Omari Hutchinson.

The Tricky Trees are not done in the market with other stars like Arnaud Kalimuendo, Yunus Musah, Adama Traore, and Fernandes on the radar.

Elsewhere, Callum Hudson-Odoi is close to agreeing a new contract with Nottingham Forest.

His original contract with the Tricky Trees was a three-year deal and is set to expire next summer.