Earlier this summer, it was said that Nottingham Forest registered their interest in signing Nicolas Tagliafico.
The Argentina international was available for the lowly sum of just €4m (£3m) as he had entered the final 12 months of his contract at Ajax.
It represented an interesting opportunity for Steve Cooper, as Tagliafico is a man of great experience.
The South American has amassed 25 Champions League appearances throughout his career, while also winning 40 caps for Argentina in what has been a silverware-laden career.
However, Nottingham Forest will now have to look elsewhere.
What’s the story?
Well, Cooper has unfortunately missed out on Tagliafico, who has signed a three-year contract with Lyon.
The left-back moves to France in a deal worth £3m, after winning the Eredivisie title in his final season with Ajax.
Tagliafico made 29 appearances last term, scoring three goals while also providing three assists at the Amsterdam Arena.
Of course, Nottingham Forest have already signed a left-back in Harry Toffolo, but after a bid for Real Betis defender Alex Moreno was made, it seems Cooper wants one more.
Nottingham Forest face competition for Tagliafico alternative
By the sounds of it, Nottingham Forest won’t have an easy time trying to sign Moreno.
Fulham are also said to be interested in the Spaniard, and even if Cooper manages to fend off the Cottagers, Real Betis are demanding a lot of money.
The bid for Moreno – which was said to be £4m – was described as derisory, with the Spanish outfit holding out for a sum closer to £20m for their left-back.
Nottingham Forest surely won’t spent that much on a 29-year-old, so it remains to be seen who Cooper pursues after missing out on Tagliafico.
However, make sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Cooper is in the mood to surprise people this summer after sealing a shock deal for Jesse Lingard.
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