‘Nottingham Forest and John Textor agreement revealed after £30m deal’
Nottingham Forest appear to have secured their first signings of the summer transfer window after agreeing three deals with Botafogo.
It has been widely reported Igor Jesus, Cuiabano and Jair Cunha will move to the City Ground for a combined fee of almost £30million.
Brazilian side Botafogo are owned by John Textor, who is also in control of Lyon through Eagle Football Holdings.
Meanwhile, it has been revealed the French club are in talks over a £20million deal for Forest star Danilo.
It comes after Moussa Niakhate and Orel Mangala both left the Premier League side to join Lyon last summer.
Finance expert Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider there appears to be an arrangement between Forest and Textor following the latest deals.
Evangelos Marinakis recently ceased control of Forest after it looked like they could qualify for the Champions League alongside Greek side Olympiacos, who he owns as part of his multi-club model.
Nottingham Forest and John Textor get green light after deals agreed
Borson insisted the authorities appear to be happy with the connection between Forest and Textor as the Botafogo stars close in on a move to the City Ground.
He told Football Insider: “It looks like it’s linked to Textor, doesn’t it?
“We had Niakhate and Mangala last year. There is talk about the goalkeeper going to Lyon. Lyon have got no money, so how does that work?
“We know that there’s a good relationship between Eagle Football Holdings and Nottingham Forest. Of course, Nottingham Forest is no longer in the control of Marinakis because they are in a blind trust because of Europe.
“It looks like there’s some connection, doesn’t it? It looks like there are arrangements, but it’s hidden in plain sight. If there was something suspicious about it, I don’t think you’d do it in this way because it’s so obvious.
“So, you have to assume that all of the filings make sense, that they have made whatever declarations they need to, and they’ve disclosed everything to everybody that needs to understand the transactions because, otherwise, it’s just so obvious that there’s some kind of interconnection between those parties.
“I’d assume until we hear about some problem with it, I’d assume that it’s been looked at by the authorities and they’re all happy with it.
“But we do know that Eagle need the money. They have said that themselves.
“They need the money to settle various debts.”
Liverpool star rejects Nottingham Forest move
Football Insider revealed on 31 May Harvey Elliott has rejected a move to Forest from Liverpool this summer.
It is believed the 22-year-old doesn’t want to join Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side as they don’t suit his style of play.
Forest are renowned for their counter-attacking style and deep defensive block, while Elliott sees himself as being better suited to a more possession-based team.
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