Deal of 15m-rated winger ahead of deadline day

Nottingham Forest are said to be “emerging as favourites” to sign Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi.

              Deal of 15m-rated winger ahead of deadline day

World Cup-winning defender Gonzalo Montiel became the Reds’ fourth summer signing when he put pen to paper on a season-long loan from Sevilla this week. Goalkeeper Matt Turner, full-back Ola Aina and attacker Anthony Elanga had already linked up with Steve Cooper’s side, while striker Chris Wood’s move from Newcastle United officially became a permanent one.

But Forest still want to do further business in the transfer window. They have until 11pm on September 1 to get deals done, with incomings and outgoings expected before then.

According to TEAMtalk, they are in pole position to add Hudson-Odoi to their ranks. The 22-year-old has also been linked with Fulham and Everton, but potential moves to the Reds’ Premier League rivals are said to have “stalled”, which leaves “the path clear for Forest”.

Forest have already turned down two offers from Brentford for the Nigel Doughty Academy graduate. However, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Aston Villa and Chelsea are among the other clubs who have also been eyeing him up.

Head coach Cooper has said of potential transfer business: “We would like to bring players in, and everyone at the club is working hard on that. If we do, great.

“But it is easier said than done, and if we don’t bring players in it won’t be for the lack of trying from everybody. If we don’t, we’ve got a team we believe in and we’ve got a squad we believe in, and we’ll go to work.”