Nottingham Forest battle for Marc Casado as Barcelona set €30m price

Nottingham Forest remain firmly in the race to sign Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado, with the 22-year-old considering his options after being left outside Hansi Flick's core plans.

Forest have already made an attempt to sign Casado this summer, but their earlier proposal was not enough to convince Barcelona.

The situation has now changed significantly. Barcelona want to sell, Casado is considering a move away and a fee of around €30m could be enough to secure his signature.

Casado held a two-hour meeting with Jorge Mendes at Barcelona's Meliá Torre Melina hotel on Friday as he considers the offers available to him.

According to Sport, the midfielder understands his situation at Barcelona has changed and will now analyse his options before making a final decision.

Barcelona are also waiting for that decision.

Selling Casado would provide additional funds for the Spanish champions to invest in new signings during the final stages of the window.

Mundo Deportivo goes even further, stating it is now “clearer than ever” that Casado will not play for Barcelona this season.

Forest are not alone in pursuing the midfielder.

Benfica and an unnamed Turkish club are also interested, while reports surrounding AC Milan are conflicting. Previous information suggested the Italian club had ruled out a move.

Casado has also received lucrative proposals from Saudi Arabia.

Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli have reportedly offered around €40m, a figure Barcelona would be happy to accept.

The problem is Casado's preference.

The midfielder is not keen on moving to Saudi Arabia and wants to continue his career in Europe, potentially giving Forest and Benfica an important advantage.

Barcelona accept that European clubs are unlikely to match the €40m available from Saudi Arabia.

Instead, the Spanish champions are reportedly looking for at least €30m from Casado's sale.

His contract runs until 2028, but his reduced role under Flick and Barcelona's desire to raise funds have created an opportunity for interested clubs.

For Forest, Casado would represent another ambitious addition to Oliver Glasner's squad.

There is no indication yet that the midfielder has chosen the City Ground, but Forest remain a genuine option as his representatives work to determine his next destination.

Casado is expected to decide between his available options after discussions with Mendes. Forest have already shown they are serious about signing him, and Barcelona's willingness to accept around €30m gives them a clear route to a deal.

Should Nottingham Forest pay €30m to bring Marc Casado to the Premier League?