WANTED BY PEREIRA, UNWANTED BY MARIO . . . Munetsi could be heading to Nottingham Forest

MARSHALL Munetsi was a favourite of Portuguese coach Vitor Pereira at English Premiership side Nottingham Forest.

Pereira loved Munetsi’s industry, an eye for the occasional goal, and how he invested everything into his shift every time he ran onto the pitch.

This was in direct contrast to the way former Warriors coach, Mario Marinica, viewed Munetsi.

The Romanian, who stepped down from his Warriors’ role on Monday, froze the midfielder from the senior national team.

Pereira was fired from Wolves, after a poor of run of form, and his replacement, Englishman Rob Edwards, didn’t share the same enthusiasm about Munetsi.

Sources, though, say a decision had already been made by those who run the boardroom at Wolves to try and cash on such players like Munetsi, once it became clear the club will sink into the Championship. The club sold top striker, Strand Larsen, to Crystal palace for £48 million.

Munetsi was shipped on loan to French Ligue 1 side FC Paris, where he has already made a big impression.

Pereira is back in the Premiership, where he is in charge of Nottingham Forest, who are favoured to escape relegation after a good run of form.

Inevitably, the 29-year-old Zimbabwean midfielder has emerged as a transfer target for the former European champions, ahead of the upcoming window, according to Foot Mercato.

One of the most authoritative source of news, when it comes to Wolves, is the website www.molimeux.com.

Yesterday, it also reported the developments under its ‘Breaking News’ category.

“In an update that is both surprising and unsurprising, Marshall Munetsi could be set to reunite with Vitor Pereira at Nottingham Forest,” wrote journalist Tom Procter.

“Marshall Munetsi left Wolves on loan in January to sign for Paris FC, after producing a string of ineffective performances in an old gold shirt.

“It was recently suggested that Munetsi was set to turn his move there permanent this summer.

“But there’s now been a very interesting development regarding his future.

“It’s been reported by journalist Santi Aouna that Munetsi could actually be headed for Nottingham Forest this summer.

“He said on X: ‘Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton are close to a principle agreement for Marshall Munetsi. However, the player’s priority remains Paris FC, where he wishes to continue the adventure.’

“Journalist Sebastien Dennis has reported the same information.”

Procter added: “The interest from Forest is likely being driven by Pereira, who was never shy in complimenting Munetsi at Wolves.

“Indeed, Pereira handed him regular starts despite the consensus from fans being that he was extremely limited on the ball.

“He said of him last September: ‘Munetsi is like an animal. Running and running and running, I know what I can expect from him. Very honest player.’”

Munetsi is under contract with Wolves until 2028.

Munetsi would like to continue his spell with the Parisian club next season, according to Foot Mercato.

He has already made it clear that his family appears more settled in Paris than they were during his stay in England.

But, despite the fact that Wolves and Nottingham Forest are moving closer to reaching an agreement.

And although, as things stand, no discussions have taken place with the Parisian management regarding the future of the former Stade de Reims player, the situation is expected to become clearer in the coming weeks, once the season has ended.

Having established himself as a key player in Antoine Kombouaré’s side, Munetsi (29) has now made 13 appearances (10 as a starter), scoring four goals and providing two assists for Paris FC.

An impressive return to Ligue 1 for the Zimbabwean midfielder, who has played a significant role in helping the Jean Bouin residents quickly secure their place in the French top-flight.

But nothing is cast in stone yet.  — Agencies