Nottingham Forest rejected by ‘ideal reinforcement’ as fresh contract talks loom

Nottingham Forest transfer news from NottinghamshireLive as this defender looks set to commit his long-term future to Juventus

Nottingham Forest failed with a transfer window move for defender Federico Gatti, according to a report in Italy.

Tuttosport, via calciomercato, claims the Reds would have put ‘significant figures on the table’ for a player they saw as an ‘ideal reinforcement’ for their defensive options.

The 26-year-old is a mainstay of the Juventus back-four and has not only started 29 out of 34 Serie A and Champions League matches for which he has been available but has even been captain at times.

He has also played twice for Italy but seems completely dedicated to staying in Turin and is even said to be keen on signing a new contract that is less lucrative than the one Forest were reported to be willing to offer.

The 26-year-old is said to be focused exclusively on staying with Juve, however and talks on a new deal, which began in September, could take a major step forward at the end of February.

Forest currently have plenty of options at the back, with Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic the bed-rock of Nuno Espirito Santo’s team but ably supported by Morato and Willy Boly.

However, the Reds are regularly linked with other centre backs given the speculation around Murillo’s future, with leading clubs said to be keen. The Brazilian signed a new long-term contract with Forest in the transfer window and is now focused on helping the club qualify for the Champions League.

Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood rightly saw his goal stand during his side’s defeat to Fulham but Keith Hackett hit out at play-acting from stars.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that there was not enough contact from the 33-year-old on Antonee Robinson to warrant a foul in the build-up to the goal.