Nottingham Forest 'eye' £17m-rated striker in repeat of Murillo transfer trick
by Sarah Clapson · NottinghamshireLiveNottingham Forest are said to be keeping tabs on Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto as the January transfer window approaches.
The Reds looked at a number of potential forward targets in the summer as they sought to strengthen their attacking ranks. Although they didn’t manage to get a deal over the line, the form of Chris Wood so far this season has eased any concerns about strength in depth in that area of the pitch.
However, it is likely to be a position Forest look to address at some point in the future. And according to TBR Football, the club have their eye on Brazil international Alberto.
They are not the only Premier League side credited with an interest in the 23-year-old, who could be available on loan. West Ham United, Everton, Newcastle United and Brentford are also said to be keen.
Alberto has come close to securing a switch to the Premier League before. Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly had him on their wanted list in January, while Southampton are said to have “walked away” from a potential £17 million deal in the summer. Moreover, the Hammers had a £14m bid turned down last year.
Alberto has been in good form for Corinthians, having scored four goals in his last three league games. He came up through the ranks at Brazilian side Santos and went on to play for Internacional and Zenit Saint Petersburg. He joined Corinthians in January 2023 on the back of a loan spell at the club.
Asked about the summer interest from Southampton, TBR quote the front man as saying: “There was a time where I really wanted (to leave). But we had an internal conversation here. I really appreciate everyone’s support, including the president’s.
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“(I stayed) because of the trust everyone had in me. That is very important. Many times, when you are going through a difficult period, you let your guard down a little but these people gave me positive energy.”
Forest are in talks over a new deal for Wood as his current contract is due to expire at the end of the season. Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo also has Taiwo Awoniyi to call upon, with the Nigerian eager to put recent injury troubles behind him.
The Reds already have Brazilians Danilo, Murillo, Carlos Miguel and Morato in their ranks. Goalkeeper Miguel and defender Murillo both joined the club from Corinthians, and although the former has only made one appearance so far, his teammate has been a revelation in the Garibaldi over the past year since completing an £11m move.