Lucas Bergvall: Favourites named in Nottingham Forest and Newcastle race 'from what I'm hearing'
Nottingham Forest are the most likely candidates to win the race to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall this summer.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Reds have more chance of getting their pursuit over the line than Newcastle United.
Both clubs have already seen offers in excess of £40million rejected by Spurs, who are widely reported to be holding out for at least £50m before they sanction a sale.
Wyness believes that both Forest and Newcastle are likely to meet that asking price, but feels that Bergvall himself would prefer a move to the City Ground.
The East Midlands outfit have identified the 20-year-old as an ideal replacement for Elliot Anderson, and are keen to develop him over a prolonged period.
Bergvall has already made it clear that he wants to leave Tottenham before the new season gets underway, and Wyness believes he is already sure of his next destination.
Oliver Glasner to decide Lucas Bergvall's fate
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Forest's move to appoint Oliver Glasner as their new boss will sway Bergvall towards choosing a move to the City Ground.
The Austrian saw his reputation skyrocket at Crystal Palace, having led the Eagles to both FA Cup and UEFA Conference League glory.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained why he expects Bergvall to choose Forest.
"I actually see Forest coming out on top on this one. I think the manager at Forest will be the factor that will convince him to go there," he said.
"Look, both clubs have got war chests in terms of the sales that they've done. Both clubs need to improve in those positions. But I've just got a feeling that Forest are going to be the ones that come out on top
"I don't think there'll be any difference between the two of them. It'll be up to the player to decide. And from what I'm hearing, I think he's going to choose Forest."
Tottenham take U-turn on Bergvall's future
Football Insider revealed last weekend that Tottenham have reluctantly decided that they will sell Bergvall this summer.
The Lilywhites had initially planned to resist any interest coming in for the starlet, but the player's insistence that he wants to move on has prompted a U-turn from the club.
Forest and Newcastle are understood to have been handed fresh encouragement after the change in Spurs' stance.
The transfer window has been gathering pace in recent weeks, and the saga surrounding Bergvall may now be nearing its conclusion.