According to Fabrizio Romano, Crystal Palace and West Ham have missed out on Orel Mangala to Nottingham Forest.
What’s the story?
Well, it was said that the Belgium international had a choice between Crystal Palace, West Ham and the Championship play-off final winners.
Now, it seems Mangala has chosen to join Steve Cooper at the City Ground, as Romano reinforces Sky Germany’s story about the 24-year-old.
The VfB Stuttgart No.23 will now travel to England to undergo a medical with Nottingham Forest, after a fee of £12.75m was agreed between the two clubs.
Up to £4m could also be paid in add-ons, while the Bundesliga side have agreed a sell-on clause worth a potential 14%.
It means Patrick Vieira and David Moyes will now have to look elsewhere for a new midfielder.
Mangala’s big move to the Premier League comes after he made 29 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring one goal while also providing four assists.
Official confirmation is likely to be made once the Belgian successfully completes his medical.
Crystal Palace & West Ham have alternatives
Fortunately, the Eagles and the Hammers didn’t just have Mangala on their shortlist.
In West Ham’s case, Moyes is trying to sign Amadou Onana from Lille, and a bid worth £32.3m has already been submitted.
However, the French side are seemingly being quite slow to respond, which is potentially why the Irons had a look at signing Mangala instead.
In regards to Crystal Palace, there is strong interest in Wolves midfielder Morgans Gibbs-White, and a deal could presumably be struck as Bruno Lage considers a move for Christian Benteke.
The Eagles could’ve signed Flynn Downes from Swansea to go with their capture of Cheick Doucoure from RC Lens, although West Ham hijacked their deal to sign the 23-year-old.
Clearly, both London-based sides want a new midfielder, so make sure to keep an eye on developments.
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