Nottingham Forest have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Inter Milan striker Andrea Pinamonti, according to an Italian report.
The Lowdown: Forest make enquiry
The 23-year-old spent last season out on loan with fellow Serie A side Empoli, and after a hugely successful spell, appears to have caught the eye of a Premier League suitor, with a summer switch away from the San Siro highly likely.
The Reds were credited with an interest in the forward earlier this week, with reports suggesting that the club had made contact with Inter regarding his availability, and it now sounds like they have been gifted the chance to officially make their move.
The Latest: Forest given financial boost
Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) report that whilst Atalanta are currently Pinamonti’s favoured destination, they are ‘struggling to reach’ the €20m (£16.7m) asking price that Inter have put on his head.
Sassuolo are also said to be ‘keen’, though it’s Forest, Dane Murphy and Co who are waiting ‘in the background’ having already made their enquiry.
The source states that if a deal with an Italian side can’t be agreed upon, this would allow the Reds to ‘push for the transfer’ and change the situation entirely.
It’s believed that the £16.7m fee would consist of a €15m (£12.5m) fixed fee with an additional €5m (£4.2m) in extras, a sum that could fit what the hierarchy would be willing to spend.
The Verdict: Proven goalscorer
Steve Cooper has already signed Taiwo Awoniyi for a club-record fee this summer, but with Sam Surridge being the only other out-and-out striker, the boss will be keen to add to his attacking ranks even further.
Pinamonti, once dubbed an ‘excellent prospect’ by Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte, was prolific in front of goal for Empoli last season, netting 13 times and providing two assists in the Serie A, as per Transfermarkt.
This is exactly the kind of form that the 42-year-old needs in his starting XI, and if the price is right, the Cles-born talent could be the 13th fresh face walking through the doors at the City Ground in weeks to come.