Nottingham Forest are reportedly pushing to secure a deal for Monaco defender Soungoutou Magassa.
As it stands, the East Midlands outfit are preparing to try to build on their seventh-placed finish in last season's Premier League and go deep in the Europa League, providing that they remain in that competition.
Nuno Espirito Santo can be satisfied with the club's transfer business thus far with Jair Cunha, Igor Jesus and Dan Ndoye notable additions to the squad.
However, the Portuguese is in the market for another defender after left-back Harry Toffolo departed on a free transfer at the end of June.
According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, Magassa has been identified as Forest's preferred candidate to strengthen in defensive areas.
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo pictured on July 19, 2025
Nottingham Forest make Magassa move
The report claims that Forest have made an official bid of €13m (£11.26m) in an effort to add the 21-year-old to the first-team squad.
Nevertheless, Monaco are allegedly insistent that they want to recoup €18m (£15.59m) in order to give the green light to a transfer. In both cases, add-ons would be included.
With Magassa being on a contract until 2029, Monaco do not have to jump at cashing in on the homegrown France Under-21 international.
That said, the 21-year-old is said to be eager to make the switch to Forest having made a total of 57 appearances for Monaco.
Magassa is capable of playing as a centre-back and defensive-midfielder, but he was generally used as the latter last season.
As such, it is plausible that Nuno could also view him as someone who could take the place of central midfielder Danilo, who has already left for Botafogo.
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo pictured on December 21, 2024
Forest in strong financial position?
Just over 14 months ago, Forest were having to get creative in order to breach the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations having also previous broken those rules.
In this transfer window, though, they have made in the region of £52m in profit when their incomings and outgoings are taken into consideration.
With European football also bringing in extra revenue, there is the perception that they could loosen the purse-strings a bit more if they are determined to get a deal for Magassa over the line.
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