Nottingham Forest see Real Betis midfielder William Carvalho as a 'top priority' signing this summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Carvalho forges impressive career

The 30-year-old has enjoyed an excellent career for club and country, winning Euro 2016 with Portugal and making 135 and 191 appearances for Betis and Sporting CP, respectively.

Carvalho has been described as an 'absurd' footballer by Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes, averaging 1.5 tackles per game in La Liga last season.

The Portuguese's current Betis deal expires at the end of the coming season and it could be that the Spanish side look to sell him before losing him for free next summer.

The Latest: 'Top priority' for Forest

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, Romano claimed that Forest are interested in signing Carvalho this summer, seeing him as primary transfer target:

"Nottingham Forest top priority for the midfield is William Carvalho. Talks on - been told there’s strong interest in the Portuguese midfielder.

"Huge opportunity for William in the Premier League with ambitious club like NFFC, pushing to sign him as priority target."

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The Verdict: Potentially superb signing

Carvalho would feel like a real statement signing for Forest, considering his pedigree throughout his career and the vast experience he has at the top level.

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While signing young players is important, having someone like the Portugal international operating at the heart of the Reds' midfield could be priceless, allowing others in front of him to be more expansive and protecting a defence that could be under pressure in lots of games.

With Jesse Lingard already signed from Manchester United, Carvalho could further help transform Forest's midfield as they prepare to come up against some of the world's best players in that position.