Nottingham Forest Target Union Berlin Defender Danilho Doekhi

Nottingham Forest have sounded out the availability of Union Berlin defender Danilho Doekhi as Vitor Pereira steps up his summer recruitment plans ahead of the new Premier League season, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The towering Dutch centre-back has emerged as a surprise target for the City Ground club, with Forest making initial enquiries over the 27-year-old's situation in Germany.

Doekhi is understood to be highly admired by Forest boss Pereira, who is eager to add strength, leadership and top-flight experience to his defensive ranks. 

Standing at 6ft 3in, the Union Berlin star has established himself as one of the Bundesliga's most dependable defenders and is now attracting interest from England.

The Dutchman is believed to be open to the prospect of a Premier League move should Forest formalise their interest, providing encouragement to the Midlands club as they assess a potential deal.

Doekhi has spent the last four seasons starring for Union Berlin, becoming a key figure in the German side's rise in the Bundesliga. 

Both Murillo and Nikola Milenković have already attracted significant transfer interest this summer, with Forest increasingly aware they may struggle to keep hold of one, or potentially even both, of their first-choice centre-backs if bids materialise.

PRESENCE

Renowned for his commanding aerial presence, physicality and calmness in possession, he has consistently impressed against some of Europe's top attacking talent.

Before moving to Germany, Doekhi enjoyed a successful spell in the Netherlands with Vitesse after progressing through Ajax's famed academy system. 

He went on to become captain at Vitesse and established himself as one of the Eredivisie's most highly-rated defenders before making the switch to Berlin.

The Rotterdam-born stopper has represented the Netherlands at various youth international levels and remains highly respected within Dutch football.

Forest believes his blend of experience, leadership and prime-age profile makes him an attractive option as they look to strengthen ahead of another demanding campaign.

Union Berlin are expected to value the defender at around £22million, with Forest weighing up whether to progress their interest into a formal bid.

Premier League rivals Leeds United were also understood to be tracking Doekhi earlier in the transfer window, but their interest has since cooled, leaving Forest in pole position should they decide to make their move.

TURBULENT

Pereira arrived at the City Ground on an 18-month deal after being appointed in February, becoming Forest's fourth manager of a turbulent campaign. 

The 57-year-old Portuguese coach replaced Sean Dyche and was tasked with steering the club away from relegation danger. 

Having successfully preserved Forest's Premier League status, Pereira is now determined to build a squad capable of avoiding another battle at the wrong end of the table, with defensive reinforcements high on his list of priorities.

No formal offer has yet been submitted, but Forest's interest is genuine, and discussions are continuing behind the scenes. 

With Pereira keen to add proven quality to his back line, Doekhi is rapidly emerging as one of the club's standout defensive targets, and Forest could soon test Union Berlin's resolve with a sizeable money move for the Dutch powerhouse.