Nottingham Forest need to crank up their search for new forward players, with Anthony Elanga set to leave the club very soon.
In an early pre-season bombshell, Newcastle have agreed to buy Elanga, with Forest set to receive £55 million plus a string of add-ons to take it to £60 million.
Forest have been linked with Johan Bakayoko from PSV to replace him, with the Reds needing to bolster Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad as a matter of urgency.
Forest have signed Igor Jesus already this summer, with more players now desperately needed, especially in the attacking areas of the pitch.
Olympique Lyonnais winger Malick Fofana.
Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images
Nottingham Forest still want Malick Fofana
According to John Percy writing for The Telegraph, Fofana remains on the shortlist of winger targets as far as Forest are concerned, although clubs are in the mix.
Liverpool are keen to sign Fofana and it’s also been claimed that Lyon value the player at £51 million – although their financial misdemeanours might sway a cheaper deal.
Fofana was the subject of an accepted bid from Forest, Fabrizio Romano claimed, although it was previously claimed that he wanted to see what else was out there first.
Fofana won’t be playing for Lyon in Ligue 2 next year and perhaps the club will wait to see what division they will be in next year before making any calls.
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The 20-year-old has made 62 appearances for the French giants, scoring 15 goals and registering seven assists during his time at the club.
Fofana would be a risky signing
With Elanga so integral to Forest, it’s important that whoever comes into the club makes a pretty immediate impact in replacing the void.
However, Fofana might not be capable of doing that, given that he’s only played in France and Belgium during his short career to date.
The only way this would prove a viable signing is if the financial situation at Lyon tempts them into lowering the current price tag, allowing Forest to get themselves a bargain.
It feels like the search for a new winger will be a drawn-out process and hopefully, the recruitment team have some plans in place.