Play-off hero wants to stay in England
REDS TARGET MARCONDES IS WANTED MAN FOLLOWING RELEASE BY BEES
FREE agent midfielder Emiliano Marcondes is said to be keen to remain in England, amid links to Nottingham Forest and a number of other Championship clubs.
The 26-year-old is to be released by Brentford when his contract expires at the end of this month, and has attracted a fair bit of interest.
The Reds and QPR have both been linked, while Barnsley are said to be among those keen and newly-promoted Norwich City reportedly had him on their radar earlier in the year.
Teams in France and Germany have also put forward offers, according to the Daily Mail.
But it is said Marcondes would prefer to stay in English football and his next move is “likely” to be to a club on these shores.
The Dane is being let go by the Bees despite playing a key part in their play-off success, scoring in the final as they secured a place in the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Swansea City.
That was one of three goals Marcondes netted in 40 appearances last season, and it came as part of a man of the match performance at Wembley.
In total, he has featured just shy of 100 times for Brentford, after joining from FC Nordsjaelland, in his homeland, in 2018.
After his strike against the Swans the versatile midfielder had admitted he was hoping for a new deal with Thomas Frank’s side.
When the Bees’ retained list was announced, boss Frank said: “Everyone could see what a big part Emiliano played in getting us promoted through the play-offs.
“He was man of the match in the final, scored a goal and was everywhere - and I think he was even better in the semi-final (second leg against Bournemouth). “He has been a big part of the squad and played a lot of games at the start of the season.
“He had an injury early in 2021 but I knew I wanted to play him in the play-off games because of his personality and the way he performs on the big occasion.
“Overall, I think Emi has been unlucky in his time with us. He got some injuries at crucial moments, but he has been a big part of what we have achieved.
“Emiliano will be missed by us. I would like to thank him for all his work for us.
“I am sure he will do a great job for his next club.”
Forest have yet to make their first signing of the summer transfer window, with strengthening required in several areas of the pitch.