Nottingham Forest have identified Belgian international Johan Bakayoko as a replacement for Anthony Elanga.
That’s according to The Telegraph who say there are ‘talks expected to open’ with the 22-year-old’s current club PSV Eindhoven, as the Reds look to add to their summer recruitment.
So far Igor Jesus and Tyler Bindon have been added to Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad, with the latter being loaned straight out to Sheffield United.
More are to come and Elanga’s imminent departure, combined with that of Ramon Sosa who is being lined up for a move to Palmeiras, leaves Nuno wanting not one – but two new wingers.
The Telegraph say Bakayoko’s ability to play in several positions, both outside and more infield appeals to the Reds but they say there is competition from rivals ‘across Europe’. They claim Forest want to move swiftly to secure the services of a rising star who has come through the youth systems at clubs like OH Leuven, Club Brugge, Mechelen and Anderlecht before moving to The Netherlands in 2019.
Since joining PSV he has made 131 appearances and scored 33 goals with 22 assists, winning the Dutch League twice and the Dutch Cup on two occasions, playing almost entirely as a right winger. He has also won 18 caps for Belgium although he was not called up for the last two camps.
The report says PSV are looking at a fee of more than £30 million, which would represent a Forest club record. They add that Lyon's Malick Fofana is also on the list of ‘possible options’.
Elanga looks set to move to Newcastle in a £55m deal, which could rise to £60m and see Forest bring in between £65-70m once Sosa moves to Palmeiras.
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