Napoli’s stance on selling Mathias Olivera as Nottingham Forest submit bid

Nottingham Forest have now submitted a bid for a “brilliant” defender, with Sean Dyche’s side keen to strengthen their backline following the signing of Lorenzo Lucca.

Forest working on another new signing after Lucca

After Arnaud Kalimuendo’s loan move to Eintracht Frankfurt, it was very important for Forest to get another striker through the door prior to the February 2nd deadline, and they have now secured the signature of Napoli’s Lorenzo Lucca, who has joined on loan until the end of the season.

The Tricky Trees’ lack of depth at centre-forward was exposed in the recent 1-0 defeat against Braga in the Europa League, with Dan Ndoye leading the line, given that both Igor Jesus and Chris Wood are on the treatment table due to injuries.

As such, signing a new centre-forward this month was crucial, and having signed Lucca, who scored 12 Serie A goals last season, Dyche & co can now turn their attentions towards strengthening in other positions, with bringing in a new defender also on the agenda.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that an offer had been made for Napoli’s Mathias Olivera, and there has now been a new update on the pursuit of the left-back.

According to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), Nottingham Forest have now submitted a new bid for Olivera, which has been knocked back by the Italian club, as it was still short of their €20m (£17m) asking price.

The Uruguayan is viewed as an important player by Antonio Conte, which explains why the Serie A side have been hesitant to sanction a departure, and a tempting offer will be needed if they are to consider cashing-in.

The Tricky Trees haven’t given up on securing the left-back’s signature, but there are currently no indications they will meet the £17m asking price in the immediate future.

Olivera could be “brilliant” signing for Nottingham Forest

The 28-year-old being viewed as an important player by the reigning Serie A champions is an encouraging sign, and he has been a first-team regular for Napoli over the past four seasons, making a combined 97 league appearances.

Scout Antonio Mango has also singled the defender out for high praise, describing him as a “brilliant” left-back, while also lauding the Uruguay international’s tackling, positioning and passing.

The former Getafe man is a versatile player, capable of operating at left-back and centre-back, and he has impressed at international level this season, helping Uruguay keep a clean sheet by making a number of key defensive contributions against Mexico in November.

Olivera is a seasoned international, picking up 33 caps for Uruguay, and his experience means he could be a solid addition to Nottingham Forest’s backline.