Nottingham Forest in 'advanced talks' to land Ajax star who shone with Man City

Carlos Borges of Ajax looks on during the UEFA Europa League Group B match between AFC Ajax and Olympique de Marseille at Johan Cruijff Arena on September 21, 2023.

Nottingham Forest are locked in ‘advanced talks’ with Dutch side Ajax about a deal to bring Carlos Borges to the City Ground this month, according to reports.

The 19-year-old only moved to the Netherlands last summer, signing a five-year contract with the Eredivisie giants after leaving Manchester City in a £12m deal. Borges came through the Premier League champions’ youth academy and won their U18s player of the season award in 2021.

But after just 16 appearances and one goal in an Ajax shirt it looks like he could be about to return to the Premier League, becoming Nuno Espirito Santo’s first signing at Forest in the process.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano wrote on social media platform X: “Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks to sign Carlos Borges from Ajax on loan deal. Negotiations on, Ajax have been approached by #NFFC to bring Carlos back to Premier League.”

But it would appear that Borges is not the only player in the Forest boss’ sights, with Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Giovanni Reyna also wanted at the City Ground. Romano added: “Forest want both Borges & Gio Reyna.”

USMNT star Reyna is the son of former Premier League player Claudio Reyna and has been with Dortmund since joining their youth set-up in 2019. The 21-year-old has made 120 appearances for the Bundesliga club over four-and-a-half seasons, scoring 17 goals.

Espirito Santo is looking to strengthen his Forest squad as the club attempts to steer itself away from the threat of relegation. The Portuguese manager will be hoping that capturing both Borges and Reyna will help provide the ammunition that can keep the club’s top tier status intact.

Forest are currently 16th in the Premier League table, four points clear of the relegation zone.