RIO DE JANEIRO, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Nottingham Forest have reached a deal to sign Brazilian midfielder Gustavo Scarpa, according to media reports in the South American country.

Scarpa, whose contract with Brazilian Serie A club Palmeiras will expire in December, has signed a pre-contract and is expected to join the newly-promoted Premier League club in the January transfer window, Gazeta Esportiva reported. It added the contract would run until June 2026.

The 28-year-old has made 187 appearances for Palmeiras, scoring 32 goals and providing 44 assists, following his 2018 move from Fluminense.

Nottingham Forrest, winners of the 2021 Championship title, will play in England's top flight for the first time since 1998-1999 when the new Premier League campaign kicks off in August.

The two-time European champions currently have no Brazilians in their first-team squad.