With qualification for European football on the line, the manager might have hoped that his press pre-match conference would focus solely on the task facing his side on Thursday night.
Then again, to expect that those Nottingham Forest links would not be addressed in any capacity would be naive in the extreme.
And, as anticipated, it did not take long before the City Ground subject was brought up this Wednesday afternoon.
HITC understands that Nottingham Forest are closing in on a deal that would bring Jota Silva to England from Vitoria de Guimaraes.
The winger will set Nuno Espirito Santo’s side back just £6 million, Forest getting a bargain in a two-time Portugal international who scored 15 goals last season, has a £17 million release clause, and narrowly missed out on Roberto Martinez’s Euro 2024 squad.
HITC reports that Jota Silva – who had also been under consideration by Wolves, Brighton, Leicester City and Celtic – is dreaming of a chance in the Premier League which now looks destined to present itself in the East Midlands.
Nottingham Forest to sign Jota Silva from Vitoria de Guimaraes
Nuno’s gain, meanwhile, will be Rui Borges’ loss.
“I prepared for the game with everyone, regardless of whether Jota could leave or not,” the Vitoria coach tells O Jogo, his press conference dominated by the forward’s future rather than tomorrow’s Europa Conference League qualifier with Maltese outfit Floriana.
“I’m calm. Jota is a different player, special to the team and the fans, but we have to learn to live with (the prospect of him leaving).
“I’m happy for him. He deserves it for everything that’s happened to him.”
Much to Borges’ disappointment, the newly-appointed Vitoria boss sees his relationship with Jota ends after just 90 minutes of football together. The so-called ‘Portuguese Grealish’ featured in the first leg of that Floriana clash – scoring the only goal of the game – but now departs on the eve of the return fixture.
O Jogo say that Jota is already in England to undergo medical tests with Nottingham Forest.
“I didn’t know him but, after the first day (of training), I understood why he’s been successful,” Borges adds. “Because of his character, personality and the way he dedicates himself to work. He surprised me a lot.
“I have no doubt that he’ll be very successful.”
“The players are ready. The transfer market is like this every year. Jota was a great example (for the squad). He surprised me very positively.
“I knew he could leave at any minute but anyone who saw him work every day saw that his commitment was surreal. He will get where he wants to go because of his resilience and character as a human being.
“The team has responded well. Did I want Jota to leave? Of course not. But I focus on the day-to-day and the players I have. I wish Jota the best of success. He’s following his path and we’ll follow ours.
“Other Jotas will appear. This is football.”
Forest also close in on Talleres ace Ramon Sosa
A right winger who tends to drift in from the left, Jota will provide some valuable competition for Anthony Elanga at Nottingham Forest.
Nuno’s side are also hot on the heels of another talented wideman in the shape of Ramon Sosa. HITC understands that talks over a £12 million deal are ongoing with Argentine outfit Tallares.
Sosa, who’s agent confirmed interest from both Everton and Chelsea earlier this year, is likely to line up on the opposite flank to Jota in Forest’s new look frontline.
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