Nottingham Forest have now agreed a deal to sign a "frightening" star, who has emerged as a target for some of Europe's top clubs this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Nottingham Forest set sights on new midfielder and winger
With Forest set to take part in the Europa Conference League for the first time next season, Nuno Espirito Santo may need to increase the depth of his squad, and one position in which the manager is particularly keen to strengthen is central midfield.
Palmeiras' Richard Rios is now in the Tricky Trees sights, following the maestro's impressive performances at the Club World Cup, while they are also considering bringing defensive midfielders Douglas Luiz and Joao Palhinha back to the Premier League.
Not only is a new midfielder of interest, but Nuno may also be tasked with bringing in a new winger, amid major doubts over Anthony Elanga's future, with Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie revealing he believes the 23-year-old will join Newcastle United.
With Elanga potentially heading to St. James' Park, Nottingham Forest have now stepped up their pursuit of a new winger, and they have now reached an agreement with Lyon over a deal for Malick Fofana, although personal terms are yet to be finalised.
Fofana is waiting to hear from the Champions League clubs interested in his signature, with Chelsea still keen, while Premier League champions Liverpool were named as potential suitors over the past few days.
Lyon's Malick Fofana
Bayern Munich and Napoli have also made approaches to sign the Lyon star, so it could be difficult for the Tricky Trees to get a deal over the line, but it is promising news that they have been able to strike an agreement with Lyon.
"Frightening" Fofana could be real coup for Nottingham Forest
A deal for the Lyon star is likely to be on the expensive side, given the French club's asking price of £42m, but there are plenty of signs that he could be worthy of potentially becoming Forest's record signing.
The Belgian has been prolific in front of goal for Lyon over the past year, placing in the 90th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90, when compared to other forwards, while the winger's dribbling ability is underlined by the fact he ranks in the top 2% for progressive carries.
GNK Dinamo Zagreb's Kevin Theophile-Catherine in action with AC Milan's Yunus Musah Related
[Nottingham Forest now ready to make £21m offer for "superb" midfielder](https://www.footballfancast.com/nottingham-forest-now-willing-to-make-21m-bid-for-yunus-musah/ "Nottingham Forest now ready to make £21m offer for "superb" midfielder")
The Tricky Trees are now prepared to make an opening bid for a midfielder, having recently made contact over a potential deal.
U23 scout Antonio Mango has also been left impressed by the 20-year-old in the past, lauding him for his "frightening speed", while describing the youngster as a "1v1 dribbling phenom".
As such, Fofana could be a real coup for Forest, but it could be difficult to win the race for his signature, should a Champions League club decide to formalise their interest in the starlet by matching the Tricky Trees' offer.