Zenit St Petersburg are in talks to sign Nino but the Fluminense defender would prefer to join Nottingham Forest as he wants to play in the Premier League.
With Nuno Espirito Santo through the door at the City Ground – confirmed as Steve Cooper’s replacement on Wednesday – is Fluminense’s Copa Libertadores-winning captain set to become the first signing of a new era at the City Ground?
Nottingham Forest are looking to boost their defensive ranks in January amid doubts over the futures of both Joe Worrall and Scott McKenna. And this is where Nino comes in.
Fluminense president Mario Bittencourt confirmed Forest’s interest in his 26-year-old skipper back in November too.
Nottingham Forest ready to pay £6m
“We have to understand that it is the player’s dream to play in Europe, and he deserves it, Bittencourt tells the Charla podcast, admitting that Nino has little interest in extending his contract with the defender’s current deal expiring in 12 months’ time.
“Nino had several offers over time. He had one from the Middle East, which was good for Fluminense,” Bittencourt adds. He came into my office and said; ‘President, I don’t want to play in the Middle East. It’s my family’s decision. I want to play in Europe.’
“What arrived first was Nottingham Forest.”
Things appear to have slowed down a little over the last few weeks. But, fear not Forest fans, the City Ground is still Nino’s most likely destination.
Nino joins Nuno
The one-time Brazil international – who’s full name is Marcilio Florencio Mota Filho – is in talks with Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg, per Championat, but his preferred move remains the Premier League. Nottingham Forest are in pole position. Forest are also willing to do one Zenit are not, and trigger the £6 million release clause in his Fluminense deal (O Dia).
The 26-year-old centre-half would, therefore, become the second Brazilian defender to join Forest in the space of a few months, following in the footsteps of former Corinthians starlet Murillo.
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