Nottingham Forest have reportedly been thwarted for a third time in their attempts to sign Strasbourg winger Dilane Bakwa.
The 22-year-old has emerged as a key target for the Reds heading into the final days of the summer window. They have until 7pm on Monday to complete any remaining transfer business, with ins and outs on the cards before the deadline.
Forest are facing competition from Premier League rivals Leeds United and Sunderland for Bakwa’s signature. They are also coming up against a club seemingly prepared to hold out for a big fee in Strasbourg.
According to L’Equipe (via Get Football News France), the Reds have had a €35 million (£30m) offer for Bakwa rejected by the French outfit. It is said to be the third time Forest have made a bid for the wide man.
Talks between the two clubs are said to be ongoing as the player is ‘expected’ to be on the move this summer. Various price tags have been mooted, ranging from £30m to £35m.
Forest’s most recent offer is said to have been made up of a €27.5m (£23m) fixed fee plus €7.5m (£6.5m) in add-ons. The BBC have suggested an initial fee of £30m plus add-ons could be enough to tempt Strasbourg to sell.
Dan Ndoye and Omari Hutchinson have already been added to the Reds’ wide ranks this summer, following the exits of Anthony Elanga and Ramon Sosa. Fellow newcomers James McAtee and Arnaud Kalimuendo can also play on the flanks.
Callum Hudson-Odoi remains a key figure for head coach Nuno Espirito Santo and Jota Silva is also still on the books. However, the latter is likely to move on before Monday’s deadline as Sporting Lisbon are keen.
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Eight new arrivals have been welcomed to the City Ground to date. In addition to Ndoye, Hutchinson, McAtee and Kalimuendo, Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha, Angus Gunn and Douglas Luiz have also put pen to paper Trentside.
For Nuno, signing another goalkeeper and two full-backs is the priority. He stated his wish for three further recruits after Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.
“We need three players - one more goalie and two full-backs. We cannot live with the fear of if something happens to Ola (Aina) and Neco (Williams),” the Portuguese said.
He added: “If one of our wingers can play at full-back, I will be the first to say that we need only one full-back. But Omari (Hutchinson), Kali (Arnaud Kalimuendo), Macca (James McAtee), I look at them and they are not full-backs.
“The team needs full-backs. We have Omar Richards and Eric Moreira, who need to move and proceed their careers and be happy, because I cannot give what they need in their careers, which is minutes.”
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