Nottingham Forest have been handed a boost around the potential availability of a target they missed out on 12 months ago.
The Reds were one of the clubs linked with an interest in Wolfsburg midfielder Aster Vranckx in last year’s summer transfer window, along with Everton and AC Milan. The 20-year-old eventually completed a move to the San Siro, signing on a season long loan.
At the time, the youngster said he chose Milan due to the project at the club involving young players. “I had to look for a solution and I liked the Milan project a lot,” he said .
“They work with a lot of young players and they immediately showed me that they really want to give me opportunities. Although obviously I have to work a lot, that’s how it works in a great club. It’s part of the job.”
However, his move to Milan didn’t go as planned. Vranckx made just two starts in Serie A and was mainly an unused substitute throughout the season. He made a total of 10 appearances in all competitions, not getting the game time he would have hoped for.
Included in the loan deal was an option to buy for around £10 million. But according to Tuttomercatoweb , the Italian giants have made the decision not to take up that option. It therefore means the midfielder could be available for transfer in the summer, allowing Forest to potentially reignite their interest.
While their transfer window is not expected to be as busy as last summer, Reds boss Steve Cooper is still expected to add to his squad in preparation for another season in the Premier League. The report claims there is interest in Vranckx from the Premier League but it does not name specific clubs.
AC Milan do have some time to change their mind, with the option expiring on June 16. But Wolfsburg are said to ‘expect’ offers from England this summer.