Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina is said to have caught the eye of Besiktas ahead of the summer transfer window.
One of the first names on the team-sheet, the full-back has been excellent for the Reds this season. He has played a key part in Nuno Espirito Santo’s side challenging at the top end of the Premier League table.
Perhaps inevitably, such form has attracted no shortage of admirers. As a big summer approaches at the City Ground, there is still something of a question mark over Aina’s future at the club.
Turkish publication Fotospor claim Besiktas are monitoring the Nigeria international’s situation on the banks of the Trent. The report states the Turkish side are ready to “try their luck”, if Aina’s long-term future is not sorted.
Reports have suggested a 12-month extension was activated in the 28-year-old’s contract when it was confirmed Forest would not be relegated this season. The additional year would keep Aina tied to the club until the summer of 2026, but the Reds remain keen to agree a longer-term deal.
Talks have been taking place for some time and fresh terms are said to have been on the table for several months. If Aina does not commit, it is said Besiktas will make an “official offer”.
The former Torino man, who signed for Forest as a free transfer in the summer of 2023, has a long list of potential suitors. Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Roma, AC Milan and Galatasaray are among the teams to have been credited with an interest in him.
Earlier this year, it was reported a two-year deal with a further 12-month option was in the works for the former Chelsea youngster. Aina has previously indicated he would be keen to extend his stay.
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Asked if he would like to be at Forest for a long time, he recently said: “I hope so, I really enjoy it here. I enjoy the staff, the players, the club, the community. Everything about it is a good place, so, yeah, hopefully.”
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