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Nottingham Forest’s interest in Daniel Podence is understood to have moved up a notch, with the Reds making a “formal offer” to the versatile midfielder, according to reports in Portugal.

The 22-year-old was one of a number of players to cancel their contracts with Sporting Lisbon, leaving him as a free agent.

Forest have already signed highly-rated youngsters Joao Carvalho, Diogo Goncalves and Gil Dias this summer, and now they could add a fourth promising Portuguese talent to their ranks in Podence.

The right-sided winger, who can also play as a forward or in midfield, made 12 appearances for Sporting last season and did have a 60m euros release clause in his contract.

Along with Carvalho, Goncalves and Dias, he is on the books of ‘super agent’ Jorge Mendes and has represented his country at Under-21 level.

Podence was regarded as a bright prospect at Sporting, but joined some of his team-mates in rescinding his deal with the Portuguese club following reports of a training ground “attack” on players by some supporters,

He had made his debut for the team in February 2017, having previously spent time on loan at Moreirense.

The Reds brought in defender Tobias Figueiredo on loan from Sporting in January, with the centre-back going on to turn his move into a permanent one at the end of the campaign following an impressive introduction to the Championship.