Latest developments
- Nottingham Forest are looking to sign Douglas Luiz in January.
- The Brazilian has struggled at Juventus after his summer move.
- Manchester City have also been linked with the midfielder.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2/5): Spanish outlet links Luiz with Forest
Nottingham Forest are plotting an ambitious January move for Douglas Luiz to strengthen their midfield in their bid to secure a Champions League spot. Manchester City have also been offered the opportunity to sign the Juventus flop.
The story comes from Spanish outlet Relevo, who are usually reliable when it comes to Spanish football. However, the same can't be said about their reports on Premier League transfers.
Value (3/5): Juventus open to early exit
Juve spent a fee in the region of £41.8 million to sign Luiz from Aston Villa before the start of the season. However, he has struggled to impress Thiago Motta. As such, the Old Lady appear open to letting him leave. However, their price-tag for the Brazilian remains unclear.
Suitability (3.5/5): A complete defensive midfielder
Nuno Espirito Santo has experimented with different formations at Forest but his side's intense out of possession work has been consistent this season. Not only Luiz is excellent without the ball, he would also add more composure to Forest's midfield via his technical ability in possession.
Upgrade? (3/5): Different to current options
Nicolas Dominguez and Elliot Anderson have regularly started in Santo's midfield. Their intense style of play and physicality allows them to be imposing when out of possession, but they lack the passing range of Luiz, which is needed to cut open more rigid defences.
Logic (3.5/5): City may hamper Forest hopes
With City also suggested to be in the mix, Forest may have to put in an ambitious bid and work particularly hard to convince the 26-year-old to join their exciting project. As far as the player's gametime is concerned, a move to Nottingham makes more sense over returning to Manchester.
Whisper+ verdict: 15/25
Forest could prove to be an ideal destination for Luiz to rediscover his form, but a lot could depend on Juve's willingness to accept a cut-price deal or a loan move for their out of favour star.
