According to The Athletic, Nottingham Forest are now in talks to sign West Ham, Everton and Newcastle target Moussa Niakhate.
What’s the story?
Well, this is big news for Nottingham Forest.
It was said that West Ham and Everton are eyeing the Frenchman, who is available for just £8m after entering the final 12 months of his contract with Mainz 05.
Newcastle are also interested in Niakhate, although now, it seems Steve Cooper and Nottingham Forest have made the first concrete move.
It comes shortly after the Championship play-off final winners also opened talks with Manchester United over a loan deal for Dean Henderson, as Brice Samba aims to leave the City Ground.
The Athletic believe he wants to return to France, with RC Lens a possible destination.
Nottingham Forest are also looking at Gareth Bale.
Putting that dramatic news aside for a moment, let’s focus on Niakhate.
The 26-year-old made 30 appearances in the Bundesliga last season, scoring four goals as Mainz 05 finished eighth in Germany’s top-flight.
Interestingly, only Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Union Berlin conceded fewer goals than Mainz 05.
Niakhate is also the captain of Mainz 05, which says a lot about his attitude and leadership qualities.
By the sounds of it, Cooper could soon be bringing a gem to Nottingham.
Nottingham Forest could embarrass West Ham, Everton and Newcastle
In our view, if David Moyes, Frank Lampard and Eddie Howe don’t make an attempt to hijack this deal, they are missing a trick.
With all of the above taken into consideration, we can’t really pinpoint any negatives regarding Niakhate.
The Mainz 05 No.19 is just 26, so he still has many of his best years ahead of him, if not the best years of his career.
As aforesaid, he also captains the German outfit, while his injury history bodes well for Nottingham Forest – he is a near ever present in the Bundesliga.
Niakhate is also left-footed, bringing a nice balance to Cooper’s backline.
With all things considered, this would be a great signing for Nottingham Forest.
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