Nottingham Forest have joined a number of Premier League clubs in showing an interest in Peterborough United star Siriki Dembele ahead of the January window, as reported by the Guardian.
Whether Chris Hughton’s side can realistically hope to lure the one-time Grimsby Town youngster to the City Ground next month is another matter altogether.
Peterborough have a remarkable track record when it comes to honing the talents of rough-edged youngsters and, after selling Jack Marriott, Dwight Gayle and Ivan Toney for huge profits, Dembele appears to be next in line.
Despite a recent dip in form which has Posh boss Darren Ferguson wringing his hands in frustration, the 24-year-old could soon become the most expensive export in Peterborough’s history.
Owner Darragh MacAnthony, who compares Dembele to Crystal Palace talisman Wilfred Zaha, previously suggested that it would take £15 million to secure the services of the meandering Ivorian.
That would require Forest to invest a club-record sum in a player who has never played higher than League One level; an unlikely scenario, especially during a period of unprecedented financial uncertainty.
The two-time European champions are certainly crying out for a player with Dembele’s skill-set; a fleet-footed forward capable of opening up defences, dribbling past opponents and creating opportunities in the final third.
Forest have scored just 14 goals in 20 Championship matches and failed to find the net in six successive games recently.
A more realistic option may be Republic of Ireland international Jack Byrne; a prolific attacking midfielder whose contract is due to expire on December 31.
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