Juventus may be open to selling Filip Kostic with Nottingham Forest enquiring about a deal that would see the Serbia international swap Serie A for the Premier League.
With Steve Cooper seemingly settling on a back-three rather than a back-four – Nottingham Forest hammered 5-0 by Rennes in pre-season when they tried out the latter system – the club’s pursuit of a new left-back has suddenly transformed into a pursuit of a new left-wing back.
Hence, the interest in Filip Kostic.
One of the most underrated players anywhere in Europe over the last six or seven years, Kostic was a big hit in his debut season in Turin. In all competitions, the ‘unstoppable‘ former Stuttgart and Eintracht Frankfurt flyer set up 12 goals; his searing pace and devastating crossing ability seeing him stand-out in a Juve team hardly renowned for their creativity under Max Allegri.
Nottingham Forest eye Juventus star Filip Kostic
According to Tuttomercatoweb, Juventus have not ruled out selling Kostic after just one year in Italy. Sales may be required after being kicked out of Europe for breaching Financial Fair Ply rules, and their £14 million speedster will not be short of offers.
TMW report that Nottingham Forest have already enquired about the 30-year-old’s availability. Forest, they add, would have few problems taking on Kostic’s £40,000-a-week salary either.
“(Kostic) is a great player,” three-time Serie A champion Massimo Bonini says of a player who would give Steve Cooper a far more natural, attack-minded option on the left.
The right-footed Ola Aina started against Arsenal on Saturday with Omar Richards still unavailable.
“(Kostic) is good in one-v-ones. He creates a lot of assists, and is now also managing to score goals,” Bonini adds. “He is always able to find the right time to cross the ball, despite the presence of defenders.”
Forest eventually lost 2-1 at the Emirates despite a large charge, inspired by the introduction of substitutes Taiwo Awoniyi and Anthony Elanga.
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