The Real deal? Reds ‘open talks’ over Carvalho transfer
BETIS ACE WILLIAM ‘TOPS MIDFIELD WISH-LIST’
NOTTINGHAM Forest are rumoured to have opened talks with La Liga side Real Betis over the possible transfer of midfielder William Carvalho.
The Reds have been one of the most active teams in the summer transfer window so far, with boss Steve Cooper adding a total of 11 new players to his squad ahead of the club’s return to the Premier League.
It has been speculated that Carvalho has appeared at the top of a four-man list of potential midfield targets this summer.
Website 90 min now suggests Forest have approached Real Betis about the player with talks between the two sides opening.
Carvalho has been linked with a move to the Premier League for the last few summers with the likes of Manchester United credited with an interest.
Fellow newly-promoted side Fulham have been one of the clubs most recently linked with the 30-year-old.
The midfielder joined Real Betis from Sporting Lisbon in the summer of 2018.
Carvalho played 49 times in all competitions last season, scoring four goals and providing five assists.
Forest may not be alone in their interest in the midfielder, though, with the report adding Carvalho is also the subject of interest from clubs in Italy, Turkey and France.
Serie A side Monza are also said to be keen, along with Turkish giants Galatasary as the rumourmongers hedge their bets.
Ligue 1 side Lyon, too, are said to be eyeing the midfielder as part of a deal that could see midfielder Houssem Aouar move to Real Betis.
Forest may therefore have to move quickly should they wish to complete a deal.
Carvalho has won 73 caps for Portugal and was part of the squad which won the European Championships in 2016, playing the full 120 minutes of the final against France.
Real Betis are in England as they continue pre-season preparations against Brentford at the weekend.