Sky Bet Championship outfit Nottingham Forest have taken a firm step closer towards landing highly-rated Portuguese duo Joao Carvalho and Diogo Goncalves, according to a report in the Nottingham Post via A Bola.

The Reds have been chasing the impressive Benfica pair for some time and the report suggests that the two players will travel to Nottingham early next week to complete formalities and a medical.

Forest finished in a lowly 17th position during 2017/18 and boss Aitor Karanka knows that he must vastly improve on that showing during next season, with promotion the objective for the club's ambitious owners.

Carvalho will sign for the Reds for a fee believed to be in the region of £13 million whilst his compatriot Goncalves will join the club on a season-long loan which could be made permanent in a year's time.

The 21-year-old's both play in attacking positions and after struggling for goals last season these players will certainly bolster Forest's options in front of goal.

The Verdict

This looks like a significant step for Nottingham Forest and the fee for Carvalho indicates that the club are not messing around in 2018/19.

Forest are a club that needs a lift and these arrivals will naturally boost morale at the City Ground, whilst their quality will clearly lift the team.

Karanka knows that the club won't settle for mediocrity next season and spending such a hefty amount of cash will clearly excite those of a Forest persuasion.

Nottingham Forest fans, would you welcome these players to the club? Let us know in the comments below!!!