Nottingham Forest were already dealt a blow as AC Milan showed an interest in Neco Williams, but matters have worsened as a top left-back target has just agreed to join Bournemouth.
AC Milan are looking at Williams as an alternative to signing Kyle Walker on a permanent basis, after having the Manchester City fullback on loan since January.
Given the upcoming UEFA Conference League chase, Evangelos Marinakis is planning heavy investment into the playing staff, with a left-back to compete with Williams near the top of the list.
However, the quality of that left-back will have to be stronger if Williams departs, but one of the most impressive candidates has already decided that Bournemouth is his destination.
Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images
Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images
Nottingham Forest target Adrien Truffert picks Bournemouth move
After Alex Moreno’s loan spell at the City Ground expired at the end of the season, Forest had already been eyeing up options to fill his place in the squad.
Reinildo Mandava is of interest to Forest as a more experienced option but according to French journalist Benjamin Quarez, the Reds’ top target Adrien Truffert has already accepted a deal with Bournemouth.
Quarez said: “Adrien Truffert agrees with Bournemouth on a 5-year contract. The English club must send a new offer to try to find common ground with Stade Rennais, who are demanding much more than the €12 + 3m proposed.”
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Forest made Truffert their ‘priority’ target for the position and while the deal isn’t complete with Rennes, Truffert seems set on the South coast. This leaves Marinakis in a tricky situation in deciding who to target next, but the combination of two linked left-backs may be the best option.
Nottingham Forest will need two left-backs if Neco Williams leaves
Ideally, Forest will offer Williams a new contract and the first-team left-back spot will be sorted, but alternatives must be in place should Milan’s interest become an offer.
The previously mentioned Reinildo looks to be a solid place to start, given that the Atletico Madrid defender will leave the Spanish capital for free after the Club World Cup.
To provide the attacking alternative, Forest’s interest in Leif Davis could materialise after Ipswich Town’s relegation, offering the threat going forward that Reinildo lacks for games in which Forest expect to win.
Losing Williams would leave a sizeable hole in Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad, one that would either need serious money spent on an ideal replacement or an attempt to find two players to specialise in different aspects of the role.