Nottingham Forest are believed to have set their sights on their next summer target, amid reports linking the newly-promoted side with Atalanta midfielder, Remo Freuler.

What's the word?

As per journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Midlands outfit are currently in talks to sign the Switzerland international from the Serie A outfit in the current window, with the 30-year-old having spent the past eight years in Bergamo.

Writing on Twitter about that apparent interest in the 46-cap gem, the transfer insider stated: "Nottingham Forest are interested in Swiss midfielder Remo Freuler. Talks ongoing with Atalanta, still nothing agreed but he’s one of the targets in the list.

"Forest are also working for a new left back."

Forest boss Steve Cooper has already overseen 12 new arrivals ahead of the club's long-awaited return to Premier League action this weekend, although the Welshman recently admitted that more incomings could be on the cards.

Cooper masterclass

In what's already been an impressive window thus far, Cooper could be yet to pull off another market masterclass with the signing of the 5 foot 11 maestro, having already wrapped up notable deals for the likes of former Manchester United man Jesse Lingard and club-record purchase Taiwo Awoniyi thus far.

Adding Freuler to the mix would be yet another astute piece of business, with the £18m-rated man set to provide undoubted quality to an area of the pitch that has been depleted by the return of last season's loanee James Garner to Old Trafford.

Something of an all-action midfield presence, the £22k-per-week ace has thrived in Italy in recent years, notably netting once and providing three assists in his 29 league outings last term, while also showcasing his defensive strength by chipping in with 2.4 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game.

Such form has also seen him compare favourably to those in his position across Europe's top five leagues, as he ranks in the top 14% for progressive carries and the top 7% for progressive passes, proving himself adept at impacting play in the final third.

The former Luzern man has also been a standout performer for his country of late, memorably providing a goal and an assist in the thrilling 3-3 draw with Germany in the Nations League back in October 2020.

Such an experienced figure could well be what is needed to help bolster and guide a largely youthful Forest dressing room this season, with his addition potentially set to prove vital as the club prepares to step up back into the top tier.

With 259 appearances under his belt at his current side, providing 43 goal contributions in that time, Freuler has proven himself an elite and reliable figure in one of the continent's toughest leagues as well as in the Champions League - it could prove to be a real masterstroke to bring him to England this summer.