Vitor Pereira's previous comments on Leo Pereira hint at Nottingham Forest change

Vitor Pereira's past comments could hint at a formation change at Nottingham Forest next season if he signs Flamengo defender Leo Pereira.

According to journalist Pablo Oliveira in Brazil, Leo Pereira has had proposals to leave Flamengo this summer, and Nottingham Forest have been named as a club showing interest in the player.

Vitor Pereira managed Leo Pereira during his short stint at Flamengo, which lasted less than three months.

Nottingham Forest have managed to tie down Murillo to a new contract at the City Ground, but fellow centre-back Morato faces an uncertain future.

The Tricky Trees only finished five points above the relegation zone this season, but Vitor Pereira's time in charge so far has earned him the backing of owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Vitor Pereira oversaw just three Premier League defeats when he took charge in February, and led Nottingham Forest to the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Vitor Pereira could have new Nottingham Forest plan

Vitor Pereira's success with Nottingham Forest so far has been built from having a strong back four.

The Portuguese boss though showed flexibility at Wolves by transitioning between a back three and a back four depending on the opponent.

Targeting Leo Pereira suggests that Vitor Pereira wants to bring that tactical flexibility to Nottingham Forest.

Whilst managing Leo Pereira at Flamengo, Vitor Pereira used the 30-year-old in a back three, and defended his decision when questioned by journalists: "Players like Leo Pereira have the characteristics, the passing range, and the intelligence to make a three-man defence work. It requires time and repetition, but the individual quality is there."

Vitor Pereira was full of praise for Leo Pereira during his time in Brazil, with the 57-year-old clearly missing him when he was out injured: "A fundamental player for us, especially in how we build our game from defence. Losing him to injury took away a lot of our balance and tactical fluidness. We are working hard to get him back because he understands the system perfectly."

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Vitor Pereira needs to get off to a positive start next season to keep his job, but his admiration for Leo Pereira may help him avoid that fate.

Bid made for Nottingham Forest star

Vitor Pereira's formation and tactics will also have to be adapted if the club lose midfielder Elliot Anderson.

The 23-year-old has been a vital component for Nottingham Forest in his deep-lying midfield position, where he breaks up the play and starts attacks.

Vitor Pereira would have to dip into the transfer market to source another defensive midfielder, but it is unlikely he would find one of the same quality.

Manchester City have reportedly submitted a bid worth £106m, and Nottingham Forest now have to decide whether to accept that offer.