Fiorentina director Daniele Prade has rubbished reports suggesting Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest have made a £6 million bid for Serie A left-back Cristiano Biraghi, speaking via Fabrizio Romano.
Forest might have been left reeling by Alex Moreno’s shock decision to stay put at Real Betis, but they certainly aren’t letting the disappointment of that get in the way of their transfer plans.
With Moreno now off the menu, the City Ground side are now going shopping in different markets. According to FootMercato, they are in talks with Villarreal for the £15 million-rated Pervis Estupinan.
Reports from Italy, meanwhile, claim that a £6 million bid has been sent for Fiorentina captain and Italy international Biraghi. Despite turning 30 next month, Biraghi is reportedly being offered a four-year deal. One worth around £35,000-a-week.
But while Forest’s apparent interest has been backed up by a number of different publications, the always-outspoken Prade insists that Fiorentina currently have no official offers on the table.
“Nottingham Forest have not sent any bid for Biraghi,” he says. “Fake news.”
Who will Nottingham Forest sign before September’s transfer deadline?
The play-off winners – who lost in underwhelming fashion away at Newcastle United during their first Premier League outing in over 20 years – are closing in on another experienced Serie A campaigner. Remo Freuler is arriving from Atalanta for a potential bargain fee of £10 million.
The 46-time Swiss international is a stylish central midfielder by trade. But he also thrived as a left-wing back in Gian Piero Gasperini’s free-flowing 3-5-2 formation. It is not certain if Steve Cooper plans to use him in a similar wide position at Nottingham Forest.
Fiorentina chief Prade, meanwhile, also distanced himself from rumours linking Tottenham Hotspur misfit Giovani Lo Celso with a move to Florence.
“We have never talked to Tottenham. Not once,” says the Viola chief.
“The player is strong and you know that. (But) we attacked the transfer market early. Now, we have to make some exits. And then, if we are (able to approach Lo Celso), we will evaluate opportunities.
“But we trust in who we have. We are happy with the squad.”
Lo Celso is up for sale at Spurs. He is not part of Antonio Conte’s plans for the 2022/23 season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
