Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forest are set to sign West Ham United target Orel Mangala from Stuttgart in the summer transfer window, according to The Athletic.
Nottingham Forest to beat West Ham United to Orel Mangala
The Athletic have reported that Forest have reached an agreement in principle to sign Orel Mangala from Stuttgart.
The Reds, who will play in the Premier League next season after winning promotion from the Championship, will pay German club Stuttgart €15 million (£12.75 million) in transfer fees.
West Ham have also been linked with Mangala, but it seems that Forest will beat them to the signature of the midfielder.
Last week, German newspaper Stuttgarter Nachrichten reported that West Ham are showing a keen interest in signing Mangala.
Interestingly, the Hammers were keen on signing Jesse Lingard as well before the former Manchester United attacking midfielder joined Forest on a one-year contract this summer.
As reported by The Athletic last week, the Hammers wanted to sign Lingard, but the Englishman picked Forest instead.
Stats
Orel Mangala has been on the books of Stuttgart since 2017 and has played twice for the Belgium national football team.
The 24-year-old made 22 starts and six substitute appearances in the Bundesliga last season.
Mangala scored one goal and gave three assists in those matches.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
