Nottingham Forest have taken the next step in the race for Estudiantes midfielder Mikel Amondarain. The club already made initial contact with the Argentine club to discuss the conditions of a potential transfer.
Forest were recently reported in Argentina as one of the clubs monitoring the 21-year-old, but the latest update suggests their interest has now progressed beyond scouting.
Now according to Argentine outlet 0221, Nottingham Forest have already opened discussions with Estudiantes. They want to gather information about the terms of a possible deal for Amondarain.
The report states the conversations have been purely exploratory so far, with Forest seeking to understand the conditions of a transfer. No formal offer has yet been submitted.
Forest make first move
The latest development represents a step forward from the previous reports linking Forest with the midfielder.
While the Premier League club have now established direct contact with Estudiantes, Bologna remain further ahead in the process.
According to the Argentine outlet, the Serie A side are still the only club to have made a formal offer for Amondarain. That proposal was rejected. However, it is claimed to have exceeded the bid previously made by Real Betis.
Estudiantes remain in dialogue with both Bologna and Nottingham Forest. They are waiting for an improved financial proposal before advancing negotiations.
Estudiantes hold firm
Mikel Amondarain remains under contract until December 2028. This leaves Estudiantes in a strong position as interest continues to grow.
The Argentine club see the academy graduate as their most valuable asset. But they are only prepared to sell if a club meets their valuation.
For Forest, the next step would be converting their initial enquiry into a concrete offer if they decide to push ahead with a move.
At this stage, though, the update from Argentina suggests the Premier League side have done little more than introduce themselves into the race, with formal negotiations still to begin.
