Nottingham Forest could be set to sign a promising starlet from Brazil…

What’s the word?

According to Jorge Nicola, the Tricky Trees might be set to beat Premier League rivals West Ham United to the signing of Igor Gomes from Sao Paulo.

Speaking via YouTube, the Brazilian reporter revealed that “Igor Gomes will not renew with Sao Paulo” after requesting “absurd figures” for his new contract.

He continued: “Igor Gomes already has offers to leave Sao Paulo. Interested parties are Porto and Sporting Lisbon. Nottingham Forest, who have just signed Gustavo Scarpa, also intends to sign him.” 

He’s a true heir to Lingard

Although Jesse Lingard made the decision to sign for Forest earlier this summer, his one-year contract suggests that, regardless of how he performs, he will not be around at the City Ground for the long haul.

They need a natural successor to the Englishman, and to sign someone who has been likened by reporters to Brazilian legend Kaka seems like it could far surpass whatever the 29-year-old can muster for Forest this season.

Gomes has featured an astounding 46 times this season across several competitions, and with one goal and five assists to his name, he is clearly not overawed with senior football despite only being in his fourth full season at first-team level.

The 23-year-old is highly versatile, although he prefers the number ten role, where he can truly exert his influence on a game.

Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig labelled him one of Sao Paulo’s “biggest talents”, and his underlying numbers certainly support this claim. Despite only registering two assists in the Brasileiro Serie A so far this term, the playmaker has created five big chances and made 1.8 key passes per game.

Lingard has started this season in a manner which suggests Gomes would not be all that far behind him should he acclimatise quickly to English football, as the 29-year-old has managed 1.3 key passes per game alongside a 50% dribble success rate.

He is blessed with fine vision and the ability to maximise that, and perhaps providing the likes of Taiwo Awoniyi, Emmanuel Dennis and Brennan Johnson with goalscoring chances will see him increase his output further.

The youngster also recorded a dribble success rate of just under 50%, which suggests that he is confident at taking on an opponent to help create chances for his team. He possesses a flair and finesse which is likely what has drawn the Kaka comparisons.

With Lingard currently set to only stay for this season, bringing in Gomes now to help find his feet and reach the Englishman’s level could prove an incredible signing. If he has even a fraction of the ability that 2007 Ballon D'Or winner Kaka possessed in his prime, he will surely become a star in the future.