Nottingham Forest submit offer for Man Utd target Odisseas Vlachodimos

Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest have submitted an official bid for Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Forest are offering a €9 million fee for the services of the 29-year-old shot-stopper. 

However, the Portuguese giants Benfica want a higher sum to greenlight the transfer.

Despite the disparity in valuations, discussions will continue as Forest aim to bolster their squad for the Premier League season.

Vlachodimos was pivotal in Benfica’s conquest of the league title last season, registering 21 clean sheets in 34 Primeira Liga fixtures. 

The goalkeeper has experienced a challenging start to the 2023/24 season, conceding three goals in the opening match against Boavista.

Trouble between the 29-year-old and Benfica manager, Roger Schmidt, appears to have forced his impending departure from the Portuguese champions. 

Schmidt’s public criticism of Vlachodimos’ recent display led to the Greece international being excluded from the squad in the subsequent game against Estrela. 

This shift saw Samuel Soares in goal while new acquisition Anatoliy Trubin occupied the bench.

Despite Vlachodimos’ contract extension with Benfica until 2027 just five months ago, a transfer move will likely materialise before the end of the week. 

Manchester United had identified Vlachodimos as a potential target in light of Dean Henderson’s impending departure. 

Henderson spent last season on loan at Forest and was on the brink of joining them permanently but ultimately joined Crystal Palace.

United have since turned to Fenerbahce’s Turkish keeper Altay Bayindir. The 25-year-old will soon sign for the Red Devils, and they will pay around £5m.