Ryan Yates reacts to Nikola Milenkovic announcement at Nottingham Forest
Ryan Yates has reacted to an announcement from Nottingham Forest on social media relating to star defender Nikola Milenkovic.
The Serbian defender joined Forest last summer from Fiorentina in a deal worth £12million [BBC Sport] and has been an integral part in the club’s ascension to third in the Premier League table.
Together with Chelsea transfer target Murillo, the pair have formed a stout defensive duo, allowing marauding fullbacks Ola Aina and Neco Williams to drive forward.
With just nine Premier League games remaining, manager Nuno Espirito Santo will be relying on the Serbian to continue marshalling the backline in the manner he has been, as they look to qualify for Champions League football for the first time since 1981.
Nikola Milenkovic nominated for Premier League player-of-the-month
Following a goal, an assist, and a clean sheet for the Tricky Trees, Milenkovic has been nominated for March’s Premier League Player of the Month award.
Following the announcement, Forest posted a graphic of the Serbian defender’s stats on Instagram, captioned: “The numbers behind Nikola’s nomination”.
The post was then liked by his Forest teammate, Yates, showing support for Milenkovic’s achievement.
Milenkovic joins Declan Rice, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Bruno Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, and teammate Anthony Elanga to be nominated for the award.
Nottingham Forest target Matheus Cunha ahead of Champions League run
Football Insider Verdict
Ex-Everton CEO Keith Wyness revealed to Football Insider exclusively, Forest are well-placed to agree a deal for Matheus Cunha this summer.
The Brazilian striker reportedly has a £62.5million release clause in his contract, which would be almost double the club’s record outlay for a single player, when they signed Elliot Anderson from Newcastle in the summer for £35million [Sky Sports].
| 2024/25 Premier League stats | Wood | Cunha |
| Appearances | 29 | 26 |
| Starts | 28 | 24 |
| Goals | 18 | 13 |
| Assists | 3 | 4 |
| Minutes | 2,360 | 2,145 |
Whilst a pricey option, Cunha would represent the club’s seriousness about investing into mainting their place amongst the Premier League, and Europe’s, elite.
The former Atletico Madrid man has managed 13 goals in a turgid Wolves team this season and was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in January.
Whilst Chris Wood has been unbelievable for Forest this season, scoring 18 times, the striker position lacks depth at the City Ground and Cunha is versatile enough to be used anywhere along the front-line.