Almeria defender Mathieu Peybernes is once again a transfer target for Nottingham Forest with the Championship giants renewing their interest in the experienced centre-back, according to El Periodico de Aragon.
While most of Chris Hughton’s problems lie at the other end of the pitch, defensive reinforcements would be well received at the City Ground too this summer.
The departure of Michael Dawson this week, coupled with renewed speculation over Joe Worrall’s future as West Ham and Burnley eye Dawson’s centre-back partner, means the Nottingham Forest back line suddenly looks threadbare, even if Scott McKenna, Tyler Blackett and Loic Mbe Soh are expected to stay.
And, according to reports coming out of Spain, the East Midlands giants have renewed their interest in a man who was also on their radar a year ago.
West Ham want Worrall while Forest eye Peybernes
Peybernes, the 6ft 2in former France U21 international, is out of favour at Almeria, spending last season on loan at Real Zaragoza.
And, with just 12 months left on his contract, big-spending Almeria won’t stand in his way if Peybernes wishes to leave on a permanent basis.
El Periodico reports Nottingham Forest are interested as are Swansea City, who offered £2 million for the 30-year-old’s services in summer 2020.
Speaking in September, Peybernes admitted he would be tempted by the idea of testing himself in England. He was, of course, talking about the Premier League, making no mention of a potential Tuesday night trip to Stoke, Reading or Millwall.
“It’s true, I haven’t played (in England) yet! The Premier League, we all know what it is – a very competitive league, one of the best or even the best league.”
It remains to be seen what impact a potential move for Peybernes would have on West Ham’s interest in the highly rated Worrall.
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