Nottingham Forest: Cooper could land dream Lodi heir

The Tricky Trees could ease the blow of losing Renan Lodi by snapping up the services of another talented full-back.

Nottingham Forest are still on the hunt for new additions to bolster key roles in the squad this summer, and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the club’s pursuit of a transfer target.

The player in mind could well be the ideal replacement for Renan Lodi.

Who could replace Renan Lodi at Nottingham Forest?

According to Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Nottingham Forest have submitted a proposal to sign Arsenal full-back Nuno Tavares this summer.

Romano revealed on social media:

“EXCL: Nottingham Forest submit formal proposal to sign Arsenal left-back Nuno Tavares on permanent deal.

“Forest trying top signing as new fullback as negotiations are still ongoing also on player side. Deal on.”

How good is Nuno Tavares?

After suffering a difficult relegation battle in the Premier League, there is no doubt that Steve Cooper will be wanting to add even more top-flight experience to his squad, hence the signing of Anthony Elanga already this summer.

Despite their struggles, there were moments of magic in performances that contributed to Forest’s ability to retain their Premier League status and Lodi became a popular figure in the squad during his loan spell at The City Ground.

However, the Tricky Trees were unable to make the full-backs tenure permanent and are now on the lookout for a player who could bring the same energy, influence and work rate to the team, with Tavares a great option to replace him.

Indeed, Tavares has been out of favour with his parent club due to their highly competitive squad at the Emirates, however, it hasn’t stopped the 23-year-old from shining on loan, spending last season with Marseille.

Over 31 Ligue 1 appearances, the £27k-per-week whiz scored six goals and created four big chances during an impressive season in an attacking capacity.

To summarise the all-round package he provides, the Portuguese also made 1.7 successful dribbles and won 5.5 duels per game, as per Sofascore.

Tavares’ impact on Marseille did not go unnoticed by former head coach Igor Tudor, who waxed lyrical about the player’s influence on the French side:

“He’s still a young player, he has fantastic physical abilities, he has extraordinary legs, he could play for Real, Barça, City.

“He still has to grow and progress, we talk to him a lot. He has been very important for us this season. He scored several goals, it is not trivial in his position.”

Not only that, the talented full-back ranked in the top 10% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues per 90 minutes played over the last 12 months for shots on goal, progressive carries, successful take-ons, touches and progressive passes received, as per FBref.

When comparing Tavares’ output with Lodi’s last season, the Portuguese ace comfortably outperformed the Brazilian in a number of attacking attributes including pass completion (77.4% v 66.5%), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.53 v 1.22) and goal-creating actions per 90 (0.19 v 0.16), demonstrating further his tenacity to become a real threat from his full-back role.

Ironically, Marseille have now signed Lodi to replace Tavares this season as the Arsenal man returned to England this summer, a testament to the similarities the pair share and how easily he could fit into the demanding role on Trentside.

With that being said, the signing of Tavares would be a no-brainer for Forest as he could be a really valuable asset to the creativity needed to boost goal contributions in the team at The City Ground this season and could be the difference-maker in picking up valuable points.

Man United: Fabrizio Romano claims Ten Hag has “chance” to sign “outstanding” star

Manchester United are the favourites to sign Bayern Munich and France defender Benjamin Pavard.

Manchester United have already made some high-profile additions in this summer window. As September 1st edges closer, Fabrizio Romano has filled GIVEMESPORT in on the latest regarding their pursuit of Bayern Munich and France defender Benjamin Pavard.

Will the Frenchman arrive in Manchester?

Manchester United didn’t look at their best on Monday Night Football but were still able to get the job done and start the new season with three points. A Wolverhampton Wanderers side in limbo visited Old Trafford and left empty-handed after Raphael Varane headed home the only goal of the game.

Talking of Varane and it was a social media post of his after the game, which Benjamin Pavard commented on, that really added fuel to this fire.

Erik ten Hag has made three major signings thus far and Pavard could well become the fourth. Andre Onana was acquired from Champions League finalists Inter, Rasmus Hojlund also arrived from Serie A and of course Mason Mount made an eyebrow-raising switch over from his boyhood club Chelsea.

Pavard has enjoyed the finer things in Munich, winning four league titles and the 2019/20 Champions League as well as a littering of domestic cups. On top of that, he has played a part in France getting to the last two World Cup finals, one of which saw them beat Croatia whilst the more recent one saw Lionel Messi and Argentina lift the iconic Jules Rimet trophy.

The defender, who has been hailed as “outstanding”, seems keen to force his way out of the Bavarian region after four seasons there, having joined from fellow Bundesliga side Stuttgart.

What is Fabrizio Romano’s update on Pavard?

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano tells GIVEMESPORT all about the future of Benjamin Pavard and where his head is at.

“Currently, Bayern are not keen on this move, but my feeling is that there is a chance for Pavard to join Man Utd because the player wants to go.

“Over the weekend and the last few days, Pavard has spoken to Bayern and told them he won’t extend his contract and wants to join Manchester United to try this opportunity. So, let’s see now what happens between the clubs.

Other developments at Old Trafford…

As previously mentioned, United have added a goalkeeper, a midfielder and a forward. Defence is now the position with the most going on in terms of both incomings and outgoings.

Former captain Harry Maguire may well fit into the latter category come the end of the window although his proposed transfer to West Ham United seems to be dead in the water.

Alex Crook is now reporting that Ten Hag wants to retain the services of the Englishman and that the centre-back is likely to stay and fight for his place alongside the likes of Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof.

Meanwhile, there could be a second new signing in the attacking third to accompany the young Hojlund.

Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix is the man in question following rumours that the relationship between him and manager Diego Simeone is on the ropes. The Portuguese international was on loan with Chelsea last year and despite their clear struggles on the field, he showed moments of brilliance.