Nuno Espírito Santo is desperate to add further competition in the goalkeeping department at Nottingham Forest, but their move for Dominik Livakovic is proving difficult.
During Forest’s draw with Crystal Palace, Reds fans were treated to three debuts from the bench as Omari Hutchinson, James McAtee and Arnaud Kalimuendo all made their first appearances.
However, Espírito Santo still wants more in the transfer market, with full-backs and an extra goalkeeper the top priority before the window shuts.
It seems as if Dominik Livakovic is Forest’s top goalkeeper target, but reports are now suggesting that the Reds and Fenerbahce are far apart in their ideal conditions for a deal.
Dominik Livakovic in goal for Croatia against Brazil at the 2022 World Cup.
Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images
Nottingham Forest’s move for Dominik Livakovic stalls
The move immediately looked difficult to complete as Manchester United showed interest in Livakovic, given their desperate need for solutions between the sticks.
According to Turkish journalist Erdem Akbas, though, the Croatian shot-stopper is keen on a move to Trentside, with the issues in the negotiations coming from the two clubs.
He said: “Nottingham Forest has made an official offer for Dominik Livakovic. The English team has paused talks for now because they did not offer the salary the player receives from Fenerbahce.
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“Livakovic is warm to the offer but it’s very hard to resolve without salary sharing. Fenerbahce also does not accept salary sharing.”
It seems that the Reds will have to pay the goalkeeper’s entire wage at Fenerbahce, suggesting that a form of loan deal would best suit Evangelos Marinakis rather than an immediate purchase.
However far apart the teams seem, though, Livakovic’s stance on his Fenerbahce future should keep the two sides at the negotiating table.
Dominik Livakovic is keen to leave Fenerbahce
Of course, his position in the Forest squad would need to be determined given that Matz Sels is the Reds’ number one, but Livakovic should still find plenty of opportunity to impress in European competition.
Livakovic boasts experience in both the Champions League and the Europa League so he would be a valuable asset, and according to Turkish outlet Takvim, his mind is made up on a Fenerbahce exit.
The report from July claimed that Livakovic is looking to leave after “receiving many offers” through his agent, making the move viable after losing his first-team spot under Jose Mourinho.
Therefore, as long as the Reds are open to negotiation, Fenerbahce are in a position where parting ways with Livakovic is the best option, so a deal could well be struck that suits all parties.