Promoted side Nottingham Forest are currently weighing up a move for Juventus centre-back Radu Dragusin this summer, according to a report from Tuttojuve.

The 20-year-old made 20 appearances in Serie A last term for Sampdoria and Salernitana but failed to play a single minute of competitive football for Massimiliano Allegri's men last term, potentially surplus to requirements in Turin again for the time being.

Matthijs de Ligt, Leonardo Bonucci and Daniele Rugani all remain as options for Allegri, though it remains to be seen whether Dragusin features in his plans with Giorgio Chiellini officially joining Los Angeles next month.

 

 

One side that could benefit from more options in central defence is Forest, who are set to see Tobias Figueiredo depart the City Ground on the expiration of his contract in the East Midlands this summer, with January signing Jonathan Panzo yet to be heavily involved in the first team.

This has left Forest with a shortage of options at the heart of their backline with Steve Cooper often operating with three at the back and the Reds needing more options in this area because of that.

Dragusin is one man they are currently considering a loan move for, with Tuttojuve believing his future still lies away from his current club for the time being.

The Verdict:

It does feel as though Forest may need a regular starter to ensure their defence remains as strong as possible, especially with the lack of top-flight experience Joe Worrall and Scott McKenna have.

Jonathan Panzo may be able to do a job if needed - but he shouldn't be thrown into the deep end and this is why two central defenders will ideally be needed in the coming months - though it remains to be seen whether they have the finances to pull this move off.

Some would also argue that a starting central defender should be low down on their priority list at this stage with wing-backs on both sides needed, as well as replacements for the likes of James Garner and Philip Zinckernagel.

A forward also needs to be a priority with Keinan Davis returning to Aston Villa - but that shouldn't stop Forest from looking at players in other positions with a new centre-back potentially being crucial to their chances of remaining afloat in the division.

It would be harsh on Worrall, McKenna and Cook if any of the trio were to be dropped - but the team has to be prioritised over individuals and this is why Dragusin should be recruited and placed in the starting lineup if he's a better option to have.