Nottingham Forest transfer news: Sporting Lisbon leave Premier League side in "no doubt" over Jota Silva stance

Nottingham Forest have reportedly learned Sporting Lisbon's stance over a potential bid for Jota Silva.

Last summer, the East Midlands outfit paid in the region of £10m to sign the versatile attacker from Vitoria Guimaraes.

In his first season in the Premier League, three goals and two assists came from 31 appearances, albeit only five of those outings coming from the starting lineup.

Even with Anthony Elanga having left for Newcastle United, Jota faces the realistic prospect of remaining as a backup squad member in Nuno Espirito Santo's squad.

As a result, it appears that interest is growing in the playmaker with teams in Portugal open to taking him back to Primeira Liga.

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What is Sporting Lisbon's Jota stance?

According to journalist Bruno Andrade, who was speaking to CNN Portugal, Sporting have made it clear to Forest that they would only consider signing Jota on loan.

Andrade said: "There’s no official proposal, but Sporting have left no doubt about their position.

"The club has told Nottingham Forest: ‘If it’s a loan, we’re interested.’ Now it’s up to the English side."

Furthermore, Andrade claims that Sporting head coach Rui Borges is eager to secure a reunion with Jota and has been "requested" by his former head coach.

Jorge briefly worked with Jota at Vitoria Guimaraes before he made the move to the City Ground at the start of August.

Previous reports have indicated that Forest would prefer to do business through a permanent deal in the region of €15m (£13.11m).

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Forest left with a decision to make

Providing that Forest remain in the Europa League and are guaranteed League Phase football, someone of Jota's ability and versatility could prove important to Nuno.

More game time would likely come the 25-year-old's way, but much may depend on whether he holds a desire to leave Forest just 12 months into a four-year contract.

Forest may only be willing to do business if they are in line to make a profit, yet keeping Jota in their ranks may prove valuable and reduce the upheaval in the final third when Morgan Gibbs-White could also leave for pastures new.