Nottingham Forest have been named as one of the clubs in the chase to sign Brentford play-off hero Emiliano Marcondes.
Midfielder Marcondes, aged 26, scored at Wembley last month to help Brentford beat Swansea and secure a place in the Premier League.
But it was soon announced that he would still be released at the end of his contract in June, having been frustrated by injury for too much of his three years in London. He ended up making 97 appearances.
Forest and Barnsley have apparently registered interest and will offer contracts to the player, say Football Insider, with Chris Hughton hoping to revamp his midfield department this summer.
But there will inevitably be strong competition.
The Daily Mail adds: "Other teams in England, as well as clubs in France and Germany, have already made contract offers for Marcondes."
Forest were among those linked with the 26-year-old earlier in the season, along with QPR and Norwich City.
Goalkeeper Luke Daniels and defender Henrik Dalsgaard have also left Brentford and the latter has already signed for FC Midtjylland.
Boss Thomas Frank told the official website: “Everyone could see what a big part Emiliano played in getting us promoted through the play-offs. He was man of the match in the final, scored a goal and was everywhere - and I think he was even better in the semi-final (second leg against Bournemouth).
“He has been a big part of the squad and played a lot of games at the start of the season.
“He had an injury early in 2021 but I knew I wanted to play him in the play-off games because of his personality and the way he performs on the big occasion.
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“Overall, I think Emi has been unlucky in his time with us. He got some injuries at crucial moments, but he has been a big part of what we have achieved.
“We have always had players doing extra work after training, pushed by the coaching staff, but Emiliano has made that a big part of his time with us. Others have seen his example and we now have lots of players doing extra work. He has driven that.
“Emiliano will be missed by us. I would like to thank him for all his work for us. I am sure he will do a great job for his next club.”
Marcondes recently admitted he was unsure what would happen with his future.
"I have been hoping and waiting for a new contract for a long time,” he said last month. “But I have kept my concentration on the training and on the pitch, and to focus on what I can control.
"I can't control a new contract. Of course, I hope to play Premier League, it's my biggest dream. To come from a small town in Denmark and reach the Premier League would be unbelievable."
