Nottingham Forest have missed out on Monza goalkeeper Michele di Gregorio but appear well-placed to bring free-agent centre-half Alexander Djiku to the Premier League.
During a weekend of mixed news on the transfer front, one of the goalkeepers reportedly lined up to strengthen Steve Cooper’s shot-stopping ranks put pen to paper on a new deal until the summer of 2027.
Nottingham Forest, per Gianluca di Marzio, made an offer for the £8 million-rated Michele di Gregorio a few weeks ago.
But the Stadio Brianteo is an exciting place to be right now; an impressive debut season in Serie A ensuring that Monza are becoming as famous for their turf as they are their asphalt.
“(I am) happy but above all proud to continue my journey with Monza,” Di Gregorio wrote on Instagram after putting pen to paper with a club who’s remarkable rise from the lower leagues was powered by the late Silvio Berlusconi and the former Milan director Adriano Galliani.
Nottingham Forest could land Alexander Djiku for nothing
In more positive developments, L’Equipe are claiming that Alexander Djiku has made a very different decision regarding his own future. New Strasbourg coach Patrick Vieira met with the Ghana international twice but could not convince Djiku to sign a new contract.
Djiku, who officially became a free-agent on July, believes now is the right time for a fresh start. He will turn 29 in August, and has never before played outside of French soil. That should soon change; L’Equipe report that the battle for his signature is now a two-horse race between Nottingham Forest and Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
Both clubs have now sent offers to Djiku’s camp.
An experienced, France-born centre-half who impressed during Ghana’s World Cup clash with Portugal in Qatar; Djiku will provide depth for a Nottingham Forest backline hit hard by injuries last season.
Interestingly, the former Bastia man saw a deadline day switch to the Premier League collapse in September. Wolves were in talks to sign Djiku for £5 million before turning to Craig Dawson, who’s own move fell through.
Dawson, of course, would eventually join Wolves in January. Djiku’s patience could also be rewarded with Nottingham Forest stepping up their interest.
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