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Nottingham Forest’s record signing Joao Carvalho has been linked with a summer exit from the City Ground.

The midfielder has struggled for regular game time since Martin O’Neill took charge of the Reds, making just the one start and seven substitute appearances under the Northern Irishman.

In total, he has featured 36 times and scored four goals for Forest during his first season in English football, following his 15m euro move from Benfica.

But reports suggest he may be on his way, barely 12 months after his arrival.

According to Greek media outlet SDNA, Olympiacos, who - like the Reds - are owned by Evangelos Marinakis, are considering a move for Carvalho.

The 22-year-old was one of three Portuguese youngsters to make the switch to the banks of the River Trent last summer.

Countryman Gil Dias saw his loan from Monaco terminated early, in January, and it was to Olympiacos where he headed. The winger has featured seven times for the Greek club since then, scoring one goal.

(Image: Joseph Raynor)

Meanwhile, Benfica loanee Diogo Goncalves remains at the City Ground, but has also found it tough to get in the team.

Reds boss O’Neill has previously said Carvalho will be “a miles better player” once he has adapted to the physical demands of the Championship.

Speaking after the Portugal Under-21 international came off the bench to net a superb goal against Hull City last month, O’Neill said: “Joao was not in the side when I arrived at the club and he has shown glimpses, in training, of that sort of ability.

“I said to you this week that whatever comes and goes, he will be a miles better player when he is used to the physicality of this league.

“It is very strong and he admits that himself. He has some lovely touches, of course, and it was a really, really great goal.

“That was the spark we needed today and he provided it. We are delighted with him and I think he is delighted with himself.”