Nottingham Forest have set their sights on Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey as their primary transfer target for the summer window, according to the Telegraph.
Villa are under pressure to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), and the potential sale of Ramsey would help them raise funds while securing pure profit for their books.
With his contract running until 2027, Ramsey is valued at around £40-50 million, although Villa could be forced to consider offers north of £30m this summer.
Forest’s pursuit of Ramsey comes off the back of a seventh-place Premier League finish that secured European football for the first time in just under three decades.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo is seeking to bolster his attacking options, having lost Anthony Elanga to Newcastle for £55 million. Key playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White is also linked with a potential exit.
Competition for Ramsey’s signature is expected to be fierce as Everton and West Ham United also hold an interest in the dynamic midfielder.
However, Forest’s participation in Europe should give them the edge over their fellow Premier League suitors.
Capable of playing multiple roles and injecting creativity at the top end of the pitch, Ramsey could prove to be a shrewd addition for Forest as they prepare to navigate the rigours of continental football.
The Tricky Trees have already signed Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha from Botafogo, while they are also keen to land the highly coveted Richard Rios from Palmeiras.
Forest kicked off their pre-season campaign with a goalless stalemate against League Two outfit Chesterfield on Saturday and are next in action against Birmingham City on August 2.
