Gabriel Bontempo has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in January, with Nottingham Forest thought to be making strides towards signing him.

The Santos central midfielder looks set to get a crack at Europe, and Bontempo has been mentioned as a target for Forest when the window reopens in the coming months.

The talented youngster has already collected two caps for the Brazil national team, and his performances for Santos have been alerting a number of clubs in Europe.

It would seem as though Forest might just have an ace wedged up their sleeve in the race to land him in January, with the player previously sending good wishes to a Reds star.

Gabriel Bontempo is a big fan of Jair Cunha

Back in September when Cunha was called up by Brazil for the first time, Forest shared a video call between the central defender with Bontempo.

On the call, Cunha said: “Congratulations, it’s crazy; we’re back together. What madness is this, man?”

It’s great that Cunha and Bontempo get on with each other so well, and perhaps if a number of clubs are interested in his signature, he’d be more inclined to join Forest, where Cunha can help him settle.

Bontempo scored six goals and claimed five assists last season from 50 appearances, and that experience at just 21 should put him in good shape should he move to England in January.

Forest will likely be in the market for another central midfielder as Oliver Glasner further shapes his squad, and ultimately, given the success of other Brazilians at the club, Forest could do a lot worse than Bontempo.