Nottingham Forest in advanced talks to sign £34m Glasner favourite

Nottingham Forest have entered advanced talks to sign Sporting CP star Ousmane Diomande, under Oliver Glasner’s instructions.

Journalist Josh Bunting has suggested the Ivorian could be an astute signing for Forest, given his ability to play in a back three, which is Glasner’s favoured system, saying: “Ousmane Diomande going into a back three which Glasner likes to play is a top signing for Nottingham Forest.

“Had such a good World Cup with Ivory Coast. A complete modern day defender, has that pace, an elite ball player which every club’s looking for in a centre-back nowadays.”

Although the 22-year-old is yet to prove himself in the Premier League, he knows what it takes to compete for major honours, having won two league titles with Sporting, and an average of 6.2 defensive contributions per 90 last season was the highest in the squad.

With Murillo attracting interest from Liverpool, it may be important for the Tricky Trees to sign a new centre-back this summer, and there are growing signs a deal for Diomande could be on the cards.

Nottingham Forest closing in on Ousmane Diomande

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Nottingham Forest have now entered advanced talks to sign the Sporting defenderand negotiations have been taking place with the Portuguese club, as well as his agents.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has suggested a formal bid is yet to be submitted, but he corroborated reports that an approach has been made, while also making it clear Glasner is leading the pursuit, and Forest are willing to fork out €40m (£34m).

It is perhaps unsurprising Glasner’s side are unwilling to fork out the full release clause of €80m (£68m), as while Diomande has been showing some promising signs at Sporting, there are still some question marks surrounding whether he would be a solid signing.

With Elliot Anderson joining Manchester City, Nottingham Forest will also need to sign a new central midfielder this summer, and they have now been handed a boost in their pursuit of Celtic star Arne Engels.