Auxerre midfielder Kevin Danois has been linked with Nottingham Forest
Auxerre midfielder Kevin Danois has been linked with Nottingham Forest(Image: Getty)
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Nottingham Forest are said to be eyeing up highly-rated Auxerre midfielder Kevin Danois as transfer deadline day approaches.
A relatively quiet finish to the summer window is on the cards for the Reds. But with a focus on quality over quantity, there is added importance on doing the right deals.
Oliver Glasner’s tenure got off to a disappointing start on Saturday as his first competitive game in charge ended in a 1-0 defeat to Leeds United. Given Forest have designs on pushing up the Premier League table, they need to ensure the Austrian has a strong squad at his disposal.
According to French newspaper L’Equipe, the Reds have made Danois a “top” target in the final days of the window. A price tag in excess of €30 million (£25m) is being touted for the 22-year-old, with Forest and Premier League rivals Crystal Palace both said to be competing for his signature.
The report stresses a bid for Danois has not yet been submitted by either side, although Palace are said to have “expressed interest” in him. Nevertheless, L’Equipe claim the Reds are “close” to signing the Frenchman.
Danois, who has been named Auxerre captain this season, is reportedly seen as a player with an “ideal profile” for the English top flight. A box-to-box midfielder by trade, he can operate in an advanced position or even out wide if required.
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To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.
Under contract until 2029, it is “no longer guaranteed” the France Under-21 international will remain with Auxerre beyond the end of the summer window. The French side are keen to keep hold of him but it is suggested significant cash on the table could be difficult to turn down.
Strengthening in midfield has been on Forest’s agenda for much of the summer but the picture has changed of late. They have already added Xaver Schlager to the ranks and earlier this week Glasner suggested further reinforcements in that department were no longer a priority.
The Austrian has identified James McAtee as being able to do a job in a deeper role, with the ex-Manchester City man starting alongside Ibrahim Sangare against Leeds. After the game, Glasner doubled down on his stance that only two further signings are required before the September 1 deadline with a striker and a right-back on the club’s shopping list.
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