Fluminense defender Nino is aware of ‘interest’ from Nottingham Forest but insists that a reported £6 million move to the Premier League outfit is not ‘certain yet’.
As the dust settles and the confetti is cleared away, Fluminense claiming the Copa Libertadores for the first time in the club’s entire history on Saturday, focus will soon turn to the future of some of their key players.
Andre Trindade, for instance, is expected to move to England in January for around £30 million. In addition to Liverpool, Arsenal, Fulham, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur all scouted the midfielder as Fluminense defeated Boca Juniors 2-1 in a frantic, fiercely-contested clash.
Jhon Arias has also caught the eye of ‘several Premier League teams’, to quote the winger’s agent.
And then there is Nino. Or Marcilio Florencio Mota Filho, to give him his full name.
Nottingham Forest want Fluminense captain Nino
The towering centre-half – Fluminense’s first-ever Copa Libertadores-winning captain – is reportedly on his way to the City Ground with Nottingham Forest triggering the £6 million release clause in his contract.
The message coming out of Brazil appears to suggest that Nino is guaranteed to be a Forst player in January, though the man himself was keen to keep his cards close to his chest when quizzed on the rumours by Globo Esporte.
“I found out about the interest (of Nottingham Forest) the day before (the final),” Nino explains, putting the speculation to one side as he looked to focus solely on the biggest game of his career.
“My agent already knew that my focus was on being able to play this game at 100 per cent. I did it, thank God.
“Nothing is certain yet. What is certain is what I have always said, that I have a great affection for Fluminense. I am very happy here.
“And, if one day I leave, I want to leave in a way that is good for me and for Fluminense.”
Copa Libertadores winner heading to City Ground
January certainly feels like a ‘good’ time. The former Brazil U23 international has just one year left on his contract and appears unlikely to sign a new deal.
Globo Esporte adds that Nino, who could form a new-look partnership with fellow Brazilian import Murillo at Nottingham Forest, has chosen Steve Cooper’s side despite being offered a larger salary at Turkish giants Besiktas and with deep-pocketed La Liga strugglers Almeria.
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