Nottingham Forest give up trying to sign 15-goal star, he's too expensive

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Nottingham Forest have accepted defeat in their attempts to sign Zian Flemming after seeing three bids rejected by Eredivisie outfit Fortuna Sittard, according to Voetbal Primeur.

Speaking in early July, the Amsterdam-born playmaker admitted he and Fortuna were at odds over his future.

Following a superb breakthrough campaign in southernmost Limburg, Flemming hoped to take the next step in his development and leave a mid-table Fortuna side in favour of a fresh start in a bigger, more high-profile league.

Fortuna were never going to make things quite so easy, however.

“They are asking for a very big transfer fee so far, a bit out of proportion,” Flemming explained at the time.

“How high (is their asking price)? Of course, I can’t answer that – but it’s too much.”

Nottingham Forest made three bids to sign Zian Flemming from Fortuna Sittard

Now, you can’t blame Fortuna for taking a hard-line stance regarding the future of their most influential player.

With 15 goals and seven assists, Flemming was the star man of a side that flirted briefly with the European places last season. A player of his ilk is almost irreplaceable, too, for a club of Fortuna’s size.

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And with the Eredivisie season just days away, Flemming is no closer to getting his wish. According to Voetbal Primeur, Nottingham Forest have dropped out of the race after seeing three bids rejected for the one-time Ajax youngster.

Flemming has since been linked with Italian giants Napoli, while Fortuna have confirmed an approach from Serie A newcomers Empoli too.

Nottingham Forest have added some much-needed creativity to Chris Hughton’s squad, however, completing the loan signing of Philip Zinckernagel from Watford.

The former Denmark U21 ace produced a staggering 24 assists as an unfancied Bodo/Glimt won the Norwegian league title in 2020.

Furthermore, the electrifying Brennan Johnson looks set to stay at the City Ground despite interest from Premier League trio Leeds United, Leicester City and Brentford.