Nottingham Forest aiming to frustrate Everton’s signing plan

Everton may have to compete for Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis, as Nottingham Forest are also interested in him.

According to Record, Nottingham Forest has suddenly chosen to check into the midfielder, who the Portuguese club is willing to let go in the coming weeks.

According to the newspaper, while Florentino improved last season and finished as a starter for the Portuguese club, garnering praise from manager Roger Schmidt, he is a player that Benfica would not mind losing if necessary.

They’ve set a €30 million price tag on the midfielder and appear to believe they can get it, with Nottingham Forest joining Everton in displaying an interest in him.

Everton has been interested since January and attempted to close a deal at the end of the window. They were unable to do so, but have kept an eye on him since, with all signs that they may seek to sign Luis this summer if Amadou Onana leaves as predicted.

The path had been clear, with them frequently cited as the lone interested party by the Portuguese press, but Nottingham Forest has now joined the list.

There is a deal to be done with Benfica, who will gladly sell to keep Joao Neves, and they have already recruited Leandro Barreiro as another midfield alternative.

The major question is which Premier League side bites first, with Everton potentially compelled to move faster than they’d want to prevent losing out on a long-term aim.