Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move for Remo Freuler this summer, and a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the club's progress in signing the player.
What's the latest?
According to Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Premier League side are "pushing to sign" the Atalanta midfielder.
Romano tweeted: "Nottingham Forest are pushing to sign Remo Freuler. Negotiations on, club optimistic after deal collapsed for William Carvalho. Talks will continue in order to reach full agreement."
Imagine him & Lingard
Forest have wasted no time and no resources in ensuring that they have a squad which can compete in the Premier League when they make their long-awaited return to top flight football this weekend, with 12 summer signings already secured.
It has been reported that Cooper is keen to sign another midfielder before the transfer window closes in four weeks' time, and Freuler fits the profile of someone who would be a huge asset to the Reds in their pursuit to retain their top-flight status by the end of this season.
The 30-year-old Atalanta ace has been a consistent and reliable performer in Serie A over his six-year tenure with the club, and last season yet again showed that he has the quality to be a great prospective addition in the centre of the pitch for Forest.
In 29 league appearances last term, Freuler scored one goal, delivered three assists and created three big chances, making 2.4 tackles and 1.2 interceptions and winning 4.7 duels per game. He also completed the majority of his dribbles (57%) and tallied a pass completion rate of 92% in his own half.
Furthermore, the midfielder ranked fourth for the most pass interceptions completed in all of Serie A last season, and his hard-working attributes haven't gone unnoticed.
Il Giorno correspondent Fabrizio Carcano said of the 46-cap Switzerland international: "Remo isn't especially athletic, but he is the brains of Atalanta. He covers everyone, recovers balls, tackles, and - most importantly - builds play from behind. His pass completion ratio is very high. He is the conductor of the orchestra."
Cooper could even strike a formidable midfield partnership between Freuler and Lingard. Combining the Swiss midfielder's work ethic with the former Manchester United star's attacking prowess (56 senior career goals) could help the Forest boss to continue deploying his attack-minded style of play with comfort in the Premier League.
Lingard could really benefit from having a player with the passing range and defensive capabilities of Freuler behind him, which would allow the Englishman to put his complete focus on creating and converting goal-scoring opportunities in a more advanced role.
The signing of the Switzerland midfielder would be a great coup for Forest and would likely add consistency in the middle of the park which could well be needed in order to compete in the top flight this season.