According to a Brazilian source, Nottingham Forest have now opened talks to sign Palmeiras midfielder Gustavo Scarpa.

The Lowdown: Contract expiration looming

The Brazilian first put pen to paper on a deal with the Sao Paulo-based side in 2018 when he arrived at the Allianz Parque from Fluminense, and he’s clocked up 182 appearances for the club to date.

The 28-year-old is still currently in the middle of his season, with Palmeiras’ campaign having only begun in April and not set to finish until November.

However, his contract in his homeland is set to expire on New Year’s Eve, and his recent performances appear to have been attracting some Premier League interest, more specifically from the City Ground.

The Latest: Forest open talks for Scarpa

In a new article published by Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte (via Nottinghamshire Live), it’s claimed that Forest, alongside Olympiacos, who are also owned by Evangelos Marinakis, both ‘want’ to complete a deal for the maestro this summer.

The source states that ‘talks’ for the player have now been ‘opened’ by both clubs, though it’s believed that Palmeiras are ‘determined’ to do everything they can to keep him.

The report further reads that the one-cap international will be able to ‘sign a pre-contract’ with any potential suitors from next month onwards for a free transfer, with the creative thought to be ‘keen on a move to Europe’.

The Verdict: Zinckernagel replacement

With Philip Zinckernagel looking set to depart the Midlands, Steve Cooper will now be on the hunt to find a new suitable replacement in that attacking midfield position, and Scarpa could be just the man he’s looking for.

The Campinas-born talent, who was once likened to a young Roberto Rivellino by former Fluminense star Paulo Cezar Caju, has so far made 14 goal contributions in 31 outings across all competitions under Abel Ferreira this season, via Transfermarkt, highlighting his crucial involvement in the final third.

Scarpa played the full 120 minutes of Palmeiras’ Club World Cup defeat to Chelsea back in February, so he’ll know exactly what it feels like to play against Premier League opposition, and if this positive contact between himself and Forest continues, there’s a strong chance he could be testing his mettle against the very best on a more regular basis.