‘They’re getting close’: Romano says Forest will soon make another signing

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Nottingham Forest are reportedly close to signing FSV Mainz centre-back Moussa Niakhate, with the defender set to join Dean Henderson and Taiwo Awoniyi ahead of next season.

Fabrizio Romano took to Twitter to confirm the news, with the Italian journalist also stating that 22-year-old Troyes defender Giulian Biancone is also close to signing for Forest, with the youngster likely to be announced at the same time as Niakhate later next week.

The Mainz captain is entering the final year of his contract and is expected to sign for Forest for a reported fee of €13m (£11m), with Steve Cooper’s side already having an opening offer of €10m (£8m) rejected by the Bundesliga club for their star defender.

Whilst Mainz have stated their intentions of keeping hold of Niakhate this summer, Forest look to have broken the German side down, with the 26-year-old now on the verge of joining the newly-promoted Premier League club in what could be a major coup for the Garibaldi.

A centre-back by trade who can also operate at left-back, Niakhate has been a regular for Mainz ever since joining the club in 2018, with the defender last season bagging an impressive four goals for the German outfit as Bo Svensson’s side finished in eighth place.

Indeed, it makes a lot of sense why Mainz were set on retaining Niakhate this window, but Forest now look to have landed their man, and the signing could be one of the best Cooper makes all summer if the centre-back takes to Premier League life in an instance.

Niakhate signing could keep Forest in the Premier League

At 26, Niakhate has already established himself as a leader given his role for Mainz last season and the performances the former France U-21 youth international displayed, and for Forest, this signing could be the difference between Premier League safety or a disappointing return back down to the Championship.

After all, Niakhate has been a star performer for a Mainz side that have consistently punched above their weight in the Bundesliga, and for Forest, the Frenchman could elevate their defence to a level that could save Cooper’s side a dozen or so goals.