Nottingham Forest target Juventus star

Nottingham Forest have been handed a potential boost in their pursuit of Douglas Luiz after the midfielder reportedly failed to report for pre-season training at Juventus.

The 27-year-old Brazilian has been a long-standing target for the Reds, with Forest’s global head of football Edu believed to be leading the push to bring him to the City Ground this summer. Luiz’s no-show at Juventus’ training camp is a clear signal that he is ready to move on.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed on X (formerly Twitter):

“Douglas Luiz did not show up for pre-season training at Juventus today (Thursday). Juventus are set to take disciplinary measures, with Douglas Luiz expected to leave the club this summer.”

However, Forest are not alone in the race for Luiz’s signature. Premier League rivals West Ham United and Everton are also vying for the Brazilian’s services. Despite earlier claims that Forest were frontrunners, the competition has intensified.

Luiz only joined Juventus from Aston Villa last summer in a deal worth £42.35 million and signed a five-year contract.

But after a frustrating and injury-plagued season, where he made just three starts in Serie A and played only 518 minutes in total, the Italian giants are now open to selling him.

It’s reported that Luiz has already turned down approaches from Fulham and Leeds United. Meanwhile, West Ham are believed to have offered a loan deal worth €10m (£8.67m), with an option to buy for €30m (£26m), but Juventus are demanding a mandatory purchase clause instead.

His agent, Kia Joorabchian, is reportedly in England this week to explore a return to the Premier League for the player.

Forest, who have already added Botafogo duo Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha to their squad this summer, are looking to strengthen further ahead of their European campaign.

Midfielder Danilo has departed, while Nicolas Dominguez remains sidelined through injury, leaving Nuno Espirito Santo eager to bolster his midfield options.

The current midfield roster includes Ibrahim Sangare, Elliot Anderson, Ryan Yates, and Dominguez. Marko Stamenic is also on the books, though a loan move could still be on the cards for him.

Forest will now hope Luiz’s stance on leaving Juventus puts them in a strong position to secure what could be one of their most high-profile signings of the summer.