Nottingham Forest's chances of landing Nicholas Ioannou have been rated as 50/50 as they look to fend off competition from Brescia for the Apoel defender.
Ioannou was tipped to be heading to the City Ground this week to finalise a £750,000 move having been linked with the Reds for the most of the summer.
But it emerged last night that Italian side Brescia have put a better offer on the table despite the player being keen on a move to England.
Now Greek journalist Gerasimos Manolidis, of Sportime, has offered an update on where things stand.
He said: "Today, the final info about Apoel Nicholas Ioannou transfer.
"Either to NFFC or to Brescia. 50-50."
Speculation over Ioannou intensified at the weekend when he missed Cyprus' Nations League clash against Montenegro due to 'personal reasons'.
It was claimed that Ioannou informed the coach Johan Valem of his decision and his manager granted his absence.
Should the Reds complete a deal for Ioannou, they would be signing a player who has courted much attention for his performances in his homeland.
He actually started his career in England after being spotted by Manchester United at a football camp in Cyprus.
He played alongside the likes of Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay, going on to become the reserve team captain at Old Trafford.
He left the Red Devils, however, when David Moyes was appointed Sir Alex Ferguson's successor, owing to a hip problem which played a big part in him not securing a professional contract.
Since returning to his homeland, Ioannou's stock has risen considerably and he is considered as one of the country's brightest prospects.
