The transfer window is closed now but in what was a manic summer in the Premier League, one rival almost pursued a last-minute raid on Nottingham Forest.
The Reds were incredibly active in the market, spending over £200m, which has left Ange Postecoglou with plenty of options as he settles in at the City Ground.
On deadline day alone, Forest signed Dilane Bakwa to add another strong option out wide, while Oleksandr Zinchenko arrived on loan to bolster the left-back area.
However, Nottingham Forest News understands that, alongside these additions, the Reds could have lost a first-team regular, if not for a Premier League rival getting cold feet.
David Moyes claps the Everton fans.
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Everton pulled out of last-minute move for Nottingham Forest star
The most significant departure from the City Ground this summer was Anthony Elanga’s move to Newcastle United, a crucial cog in the side that finished seventh.
Fellow first-team regular Ibrahim Sangare was also the subject of interest over the summer, with Nottingham Forest News able to exclusively reveal that Everton were plotting a move for the Ivorian.
According to information from Graeme Bailey, David Moyes’ side were looking very closely at the central midfielder ahead of a potential offer.
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However, the interest cooled after Everton witnessed his disappointing display against West Ham, a game that was supposed to solidify their intentions before making a move.
Sangare has started all four of Forest’s Premier League games this season, but judging from that performance against West Ham, it’s clear to see why Everton opted out of a move.
Ibrahim Sangare has had an indifferent start to the season
Albeit not the worst performer on the pitch, Sangare’s limitations in terms of mobility were on show against Arsenal on Sunday, a potentially major problem for Postecoglou’s more high-octane football.
It’s not as if he was shining under Nuno Espírito Santo, though, with his display against West Ham a particularly alarming one.
Statistic Ibrahim Sangare vs West Ham
Ground duels won 2/7
Fouls 5
Possession lost 11
Alongside giving away a penalty, Sangare struggled in possession, giving the ball away 11 times, which goes against his usual knack for composure in the midfield.
He also only won 29% of his ground duels which is alarming for a defensive midfielder, especially given that he won all three of his duels against Arsenal.
Sangare will certainly be one to watch in the coming weeks, as it becomes clear whether he can thrive under Postecoglou.