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Nottingham Forest transfer news: Benfica defender to sign in deal worth almost £13m?

Deadline day spree incoming? Forest 'agree deal' for Benfica defender
© Imago
Nottingham Forest are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Benfica defender Morato before close of business on Friday.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly on the brink of adding Benfica defender Morato to their ranks on deadline day.

The East Midlands outfit have already enjoyed a productive transfer window as they bid to strengthen Nuno Espirito Santo's squad in all areas of the pitch.

If reports are to be believed, the likes of West Ham United midfielder James Ward-Prowse and Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush will be arriving at the City Ground in due course.

Nuno appears well stocked for options at the back with Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo in line to form the preferred partnership in the middle.

Nevertheless, Forest are seemingly close to bringing in a player who is capable of being deployed in a number of positions.

Benfica defender Morato in action in February 2024.© Imago

Forest pushing for Morato signing

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Premier League outfit are looking to get a deal over the line for Morato.

The 23-year-old began this season completing the full 90 minutes in a Benfica side that suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat at Famalicao.

He played as a centre-back in that game, but the Brazilian is also capable of being used as a left-back.

Romano says that Forest are attempting to finalise a deal in the region of €15m (£12.61m) with an agreement between all parties close to being finalised.

Since joining Benfica from Sao Paulo in 2019, Morato has gone on to make 86 appearances in all competitions, contributing two goals and two assists.

Nine of those outings have come in the Champions League, most notably in a 3-3 draw away at Inter Milan last season.

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Written by
Darren Plant

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West Ham United's James Ward-Prowse in action on August 10, 2024
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