Forest and Palace weigh up loan move with €30m purchase option

Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace have emerged as potential suitors for Tottenham Hotspur defender Radu Drăgușin, according to Italian journalist Mirko Di Natale.

Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, Di Natale provided an update on the growing interest surrounding the Romanian international, with both Premier League clubs making early enquiries about his availability. Drăgușin’s situation has attracted attention following a frustrating spell on the sidelines and limited opportunities since his move to north London.

The 23-year-old centre-back made a brief return to action at the weekend, coming off the bench in Tottenham’s 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace. It marked his first appearance since recovering from the serious injury he suffered in January, a setback that stalled his momentum during his debut season in England.

Questions over his future were raised last week by his agent Florin Manea, who confirmed the former Genoa defender must now weigh up his next move. Manea acknowledged there is interest from England but stopped short of naming clubs, while also suggesting that a return to Italy could appeal to the player at this stage of his career.

Di Natale now claims that Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace are among those to have made approaches. He reports that Sean Dyche’s side and the FA Cup winners have both sought information about Drăgușin, with contact likely made through his representatives rather than directly with Tottenham.

The two English clubs are unlikely to have a clear run at the defender, however. Di Natale adds that interest from Italy is strong, with Inter Milan, AC Milan, Napoli and Roma all described as leading contenders should Drăgușin decide to head back to Serie A.

According to the report, Tottenham are open to allowing the Romania international to leave on loan, with an option to buy set at €30m. Di Natale does not clarify whether such a deal would be available in January or next summer, but the structure suggests Spurs are keen to protect the long-term value of a player still regarded as one for the future.