Nottingham Forest have moved into pole position to sign striker Fotis Ioannidis from Greek second-tier side Levadiakos, a report from SDNA has claimed.
The Championship side are looking to add to their side this summer after missing out on a place in the Championship play-offs in such disappointing circumstances last summer, and it seems targets are now starting to be identified.
According to the latest reports, Forest are interested in a move for Ioannidis, who was previously coached by the club’s head of international recruitment, Jose Anigo.
It is thought that Greek Super League side Panathinaikos were also keen on a move for the 20-year-old, but that Forest have now offered better terms on a deal, putting the Championship club ahead in the race to sign the striker, with a decision on Ioannidis’ future expected in the coming days.
Last season saw Ioannidis score five goals in 20 appearances in all competitions for Levadiakos, as they finished fourth in a curtailed Greek second-tier.
This does seem a slightly strange link to emerge, and you have to wonder whether this would be the best move for Forest.
As has been said many times, it does seem as though they will need to sign another striker this summer, in order to relieve some of the pressure on Lewis Grabban upfront.
However, Ioannidis’ record is not exactly prolific to date, meaning you have to wonder whether he is someone capable of filling that role.
Admittedly at such a young age, there is still time for him to improve and grow into that position, but you feel that that is a wait that manager Sabri Lamouchi cannot afford to deliver, given the pressure he is under to deliver promotion next season after the events of the past few weeks.
