Manchester United are reportedly considering a bargain £20m transfer move for ‘complete’ Premier League star Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Nottingham Forest slapped a £40m price tag on the player last summer but the winger will enter the final 12 months of his current deal next month.
It means that Hudson-Odoi could potentially be available for much cheaper this summer with Transfermarkt currently valuing him at €24m (£20m).
Forest don’t want to lose Hudson-Odoi, 24, and talks over a new contract are ongoing in an attempt to avoid losing him in the next transfer window.
The former Chelsea star will assess his options at the end of the season with Napoli and Roma also thought to be interested in a potential deal.
Get personalised updates on Manchester United every day
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you.
United have now joined the race, according to Sky Sports, with the Red Devils believed to be keeping an eye on his contract situation at Forest.
Hudson-Odoi has become a popular figure at the City Ground since his switch to Forest to 2023 and was lauded by teammate Murillo this week.
Speaking to Premier League Productions, Murillo said: ‘I think [Hudson-Odoi is] a complete player, both defensively and especially going forward.
‘Having come through at Chelsea, he knows what it means to play for a big club and to win titles.
‘He’s a great player, and I’ve always thought that. He keeps coming up with important goals for us.’
Hudson-Odoi has conjured up eight goal involvements across 29 Premier League games for Forest so far this season.
It has been a historic campaign for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, who have qualified for European football for the first time in 29 years.
There were dramatic scenes after Forest’s last match – a home draw against Leicester City – after owner Evangelos Marinakis went on the pitch and appeared to remonstrate with Nuno following the full-time whistle.
Marinakis was slammed by football pundit Gary Neville for his ‘absolutely scandalous’ behaviour but Nuno defended him, insisting that there had been confusion over a late injury suffered by Taiwo Awoniyi.
Forest issued a long statement on social media on Tuesday, calling out ‘fake news’ over Marinakis.
‘We urge former coaches and players, and other public figures in the game, to resist the urge to rush to judgement and fake news online, especially when they do not have the full facts and context – least of all the injured player,’ part of the Forest statement read.
‘Baseless and ill-informed outrage for the purposes of personal social media traction serves no one — least of all the injured player.
‘We call on these influential voices to show the same respect for player welfare that they often demand from others. Let concern come before commentary.’