Nottingham Forest have identified Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall as their primary target to replace Elliot Anderson, with a potential blockbuster summer departure looming.
According to The Athletic, the East Midlands club are actively preparing for life after Anderson, who is currently the subject of a record-breaking bid from Manchester City.
Forest are holding firm on a guaranteed £120 million fee for the 23-year-old England international, a figure that has caused Manchester United to cool their interest.
Anticipating an imminent vacancy in midfield, the Tricky Trees have quickly turned their attention to Bergvall, who has formally informed Spurs of his desire to leave this summer.
The ‘unstoppable’ Swedish international has become increasingly frustrated with limited game time under Roberto De Zerbi, putting several Premier League clubs on alert.
While Aston Villa have long admired the Swede, the Europa League champions cannot pursue a move without first making a significant midfield sale.
This leaves Nottingham Forest with a relatively clear path to lead the pursuit. However, negotiations with Tottenham could prove complicated. Relations between the clubs remain strained following a collapsed move for Morgan Gibbs-White, and Spurs are understood to be demanding around £45 million to sanction Bergvall’s departure.
Given the astronomical fee Forest are expected to receive for Anderson, Spurs are unlikely to offer their Premier League rivals any discount, especially with major midfield additions of their own on the horizon.
Tottenham have had an opening bid for Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali rejected but are expected to return with a fresh offer.