Nottingham Forest had scouts in attendance as Santos drew 0-0 with Cuiaba on Monday with Marcos Leonardo the focus of their attention. The striker is wanted by a number of Premier League clubs, including Forest.

The Reds hold a long-term interest in signing the talented player stretching back to the summer. Forest have been leaving no stone unturned in South America when it comes to picking up some gems.

Forest send scouts to watch Leonardo in action

This latest update comes from Vamo Flamengo who claim Forest had two scouts in attendance at the latest Santos fixture. The Reds have reached an agreement to sign Nino in the last few days, with that deal set to be formally announced soon.

Leonardo has been linked with Newcastle and Manchester United as well as Forest in recent months. However, Leonardo will want to head to England with a team where he knows he will play and that could help Forest.

The 20-year-old striker has been in scintillating form during the current campaign. He’s currently got 21 goals to his name from 43 appearances and he looks set for a seriously bright future.

Leonardo would star at the City Ground

Forest have a plethora of players from Brazil at the City Ground right now but Leonardo could be the very best of the lot. The striker is wanted by a host of top clubs and the Reds would do well to get a deal over the line.

Julio Sergio used to play in goal for Roma and he’s sung the praises of Leonardo in the past. He called him ‘very capable’ and urged the Serie A club to try and sign the player in January.

Forest could certainly do with another striker in their ranks. Taiwo Awoniyi is the main man upfront, with Chris Wood and Divock Origi both likely to depart the City Ground in the summer.

Forest would dearly love to add Leonardo to their ranks. After rejecting advances in the summer from a host of clubs, however, this won’t be an easy deal to complete.