Nottingham Forest are now stepping up their efforts to sign a striker before the transfer market closes at the end of this month.
The name at the top of the shortlist appears to be that of Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez.
The 23-year-old Mexican talisman struck twice in four minutes in PEC Zwolle’s 5-1 defeat yesterday, and he has four goals this season.
Gimenez is not actively for sale per se, but because he plays in the Eredivisie, Feyenoord is aware that they may receive bids for his services.
Forest have now given the clearest signal yet that a new striker is on the way, and the transfer window is closing in on a deadline.
Nottingham Forest make an opening approach for Santiago Gimenez.
At 23, Gimenez matches the profile of Forest, which attracts young and motivated players over those looking for one final pay day.
According to Telegraaf, the Reds have made an initial proposal of £21 million for the player, with a number of add-ons included to bring the total to roughly £25 million.
According to reports, Feyenoord wants roughly £30 million for his signature, thus the bid is unlikely to be accepted.
The Reds are looking for a new striker, as Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi are currently rotating in that position.
Wood scored his first goal of the season in the opener on Saturday, and his performance under Nuno Espirito Santo has been outstanding.
However, he is now 32 years old, and Forest cannot rely on him for the entire season, with Gimenez, the younger model, being sought.
It was reported yesterday that Gimenez has already spoken with Forest head coach Espirito Santo and Miltos Marinakis.
Forest will need to go again for Gimenez.
With only two weeks left in the transfer window, Feyenoord may choose to wait.
They will want to get the best possible price for their key striker, and who can fault them for that?
If Forest truly want to sign Gimenez, they must raise the bar and avoid becoming entangled in a war with other clubs.
The player scored 26 goals in the Eredivisie last season, and while the Premier League would be more difficult, Gimenez would be an excellent signing.
The plot has begun to thicken, and it will be interesting to see what the club’s next offer is for the Mexico international.
