Report: Leverkusen battling Forest for Brazilian defender
Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that Very 04 Leverkusen are interested in acquiring Atletico center-back "Felipe" Augusto de Almeida Monteiro.
Though competition from an EPL side is fierce, Germany's red company team are reportedly in the race to acquire 33-year-old central defender "Felipe" Augusto de Almeida Monteiro from Atletico. Nottingham Forest are reportedly also in the running for the twice-capped Brazilian international, presently valued at about €3 million.
Leverkusen have had an uncommonly quiet transfer period for a non-50+1 Bundesliga side known for generally outspending many of their competitors, particularly during the shorter January window. Noah Mbamba and back-up keeper Philipp Pentz have joined the club while a bid to bring in Spanish fullback Fran Garcia reportedly fell through.
A move to bring in a veteran center halve to help strengthen the defensive ranks - which continue to exhibit problems - would make a great deal of sense from Leverkusen's perspective. Romano reports that the Bundesliga and EPL side are currently duking in out for the player.
Bayer Leverkusen are now pushing to overtake Nottingham Forest in race to sign Felipe from Atlético Madrid — battle on between the two clubs 🚨🔴 #Atléti
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 30, 2023
Atlético Madrid will try to anticipate Soyüncü deal in case Felipe leaves — depending on salary FFP rules. pic.twitter.com/OWnLZqs5od