Nottingham Forest are said to be eyeing up AS Monaco attacker Maghnes Akliouche as they plot their summer transfer business.
It is an important summer for the Reds as they prepare to compete in Europe for the first time in three decades. Bolstering their options at the top end of the pitch will be a priority when the transfer window opens next month.
A number of players have already been linked with moves Trentside. Akliouche, who can operate as an attacking midfielder or a winger, is the latest to emerge as a potential Forest target.
French newspaper L’Equipe (via Get Football News France) report the Reds are “ready to make concrete steps” towards signing the 23-year-old. They are the only club currently showing such intent, despite several other teams holding an interest in the player.
Tottenham Hotspur are said to have recently opened talks, while Liverpool have also made contact but have asked for “patience” regarding a deal. Manchester City are long-term admirers but have apparently turned their attention elsewhere, while Manchester United have also been linked.
French giants Paris Saint-Germain are also keen but their valuation of Akliouche reportedly differs to Monaco’s. His club value their prized asset at €60 million (£50m) but PSG are said to only be willing to splash out €50m (£42m) to secure his services.
Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro said of the former France Under-21 international earlier this week: “For him to go, we have expectations. I think players at his level, not so many clubs can sign him. To go or to stay, both possibilities could be good for him.
“I’ve spoken with him – he needs to be clever with his decision. If he leaves, it has to be to a club that suits his playing style. The club needs to trust him. Needs to have similar respect, which he has here.”
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L’Equipe report the player has recently changed agents, which has “slowed down” talks regarding his future. As yet, Monaco have reportedly not received any concrete offers for the Frenchman.
Forest are already guaranteed European football of some form next term but it remains to be determined in which competition. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side host Chelsea on Sunday (4pm kick-off) in their final fixture of the campaign with securing Champions League qualification still a possibility.
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