Nottingham Forest are in pole position to sign Atalanta midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi in January, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Second attempt considered

The 29-year-old has now entered the final 12 months of his deal with the Italian side, meaning that a move in the New Year could be an option if he fails to renew his contract before that time.

The Reds were credited with an interest in the Ukrainian over the summer, alongside Premier League rivals West Ham, but decided against their pursuit due to the €50m (£45m) asking price.

However, Evangelos Marinakis could now be looking to take a second bite of the cherry in the winter market, and it’s sounding positive for Steve Cooper’s side.

The Latest: Forest in pole position

According to Italian journalist Paolo Bargiggia, speaking to 7 Gold (via Area Napoli and Sport Witness), Forest are currently leading the race for Malinovskyi.

He said:

“Malinovskyi, in all probability, will leave Atalanta. His future could be in England. 60% he will go to Nottingham Forest, 30% to West Ham, another club interested in the player. 10% for other possible destinations.”

The Verdict: No brainer

Cooper already has the likes of Jesse Lingard and Morgan Gibbs-White at his disposal, but should a cut-price deal become available, Malinovskyi is surely a no-brainer of a signing to make.

Possessing a ‘weapon’ of a left foot, as explained by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the attacker is a huge threat in the final third having netted 30 goals and registered 27 assists during his time with Atalanta (Transfermarkt).

Forest’s new signings aren’t yet gelling given they are second from bottom in relegation, but Malinovskyi could be just the man they’ve been looking for to improve their record in between the posts.