Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Tue 31 January 2023 10:07, UK

Nottingham Forest are closing in on another defensive signing after finalising a deal for Atletico Madrid centre-back Felipe, sources have told Football Insider.

The Premier League club are confident of recruiting another centre-back as they look to bolster their options for the second half of the season.

This would be in addition to Felipe, 33, who has agreed to join Forest in a move that should now go through.

But that is not expected to be the end of Forest’s business in what has been another remarkable overhaul in this window.

The Midlands giants are still working on a deal for Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper Keylor Navas but talks have stalled with Cooper’s side awaiting a breakthrough before Tuesday’s 11pm deadline.

Felipe is vastly experienced at Champions League level, having made 46 appearances in Europe’s elite club competition for Atletico Madrid and Porto.

However, the Brazil international is now down the pecking order at the Wanda Metropolitano as he enters the twilight years of his career.

Nottingham Forest have already wrapped up three arrivals this month – with Danilo, Gustavo Scarpa, and Chris Wood bolstering the ranks at the City Ground.

That is in addition to their staggering summer business, which saw a reported £142.3million spent on no fewer than 23 signings.

Steve Cooper has staved off threats of the sack and an abysmal run of early form to pull four points clear of the drop zone.

The promoted club also reached the semi-finals of the League Cup – but trail 3-0 on aggregate heading into the second leg against Man United on Wednesday (1 February).

Forest are next in Premier League action against relegation rivals Leeds United on Sunday (5 February).

In other news, Football Insider updates as Nottingham Forest star opens talks to join Euro club.