The Vitoria Setabul defender has been linked with the Rams, but a behind the scenes change at Forest could put them in the driving seat.
Frederico Venancio (left)
Nottingham Forest should rival Derby County’s interest in Vitoria Setabul centre back Frederico Venancio this summer, with Evangelos Marinakis aware of the player ahead of his prospective takeover at the City Ground, as reports the Derby Telegraph.
Marinakis owns Greek champions Olympiacos, and the Erythrolefkoi made Venancio a top priority in the January transfer window, only to be told that the centre back wanted to test his ability on English shores.
Now Marinakis is set to takeover at Forest however, it’s not inconceivable that the Reds could make a move for the 24-year-old former Portugal U21, especially given their defensive concerns.
Forest defender Matt Mills is out of contract at the end of the season and as of yet, there has been no talk of a new deal, while fellow centre back Jack Hobbs has had yet another season in a red shirt struck down by injury.
Derby County’s Chris Baird in action with Nottingham Forest’s Ben Osborn
Seeing as new Forest boss Mark Warburton has enjoyed deploying formations which involve three central defenders, it’s highly likely that a centre half will be on his shopping list for the summer.
That could provide Marinakis with the opportunity to suggest Venancio to Forest’s director of football Frank McParland, and could see the club pip not only their East Midlands rivals to his signature, but Leeds United and Reading also.
Mark Warburton manager of Nottingham Forest
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