Nottingham Forest are confident about beating Premier League rivals Fulham to the signing of Willian this summer, according to the Evening Standard.
The 34-year-old left the Cottagers after they failed to meet his wage demands to extend his contract at the club. Fulham’s offer was a one-year deal which the player was reluctant to accept.
Willian has spoken to Forest and could join them this summer.
They have reportedly offered better terms, including the chance for the player to wrap up his playing career at Olympiacos. Forest chief Evangelos Marinakis owns both clubs.
However, it is worth noting that Willian has not rejected the offer from Fulham. It is still on the table, but he is considering other options.
The electric winger returned to former club Corinthians after an unremarkable spell at Arsenal. But he terminated his contract with the Brazilian club due to online threats.
Willian signed for Fulham on a one-year deal. He had an excellent campaign, bagging five goals and six assists in 27 Premier League appearances. His progressive passing and carrying numbers were also excellent.
He remains defensively sound, constantly tracking back to help his full-backs. It looks like he is now closer to joining Forest than Fulham.
His move would pave the way for Chelsea attacker Callum Hudson-Odoi to join Fulham. The Cobham Academy graduate is a target for Fulham, but they are not alone in their pursuit.
Forest have also shown interest in the 22-year-old. But if they snap up Willian, there would be no need to sign Hudson-Odoi, who spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen.
