Nottingham Forest target Mathieu Peybernes has been offered a two-year contract by Real Zaragoza, according to AS.
The centre-back had been linked with a move to the City Ground, whilst Swansea were also said to be keen.
It has been claimed the player wanted to stay in Spain and he could now get the chance.
Peybernes spent the second half of 2020/21 on loan in Zaragoza. He made 14 appearances and managed a single goal.
The Segunda Division outfit struggled last season and will hope to do far better when the next campaign gets underway.
Clearly they feel that the French defender can help them. He will seek to agree terms on a departure from Almeria first, however.
Zaragoza aren’t able to offer a transfer fee for Peybernes and the deal depends on Almeria agreeing to exit.
Forest being linked with the defender in the first place is somewhat bizarre.
Of all the positions the Reds need to strengthen this summer, centre-back probably won’t be one of them.
Joe Worrall, Scott McKenna, Loic Mbe Soh and Tobias Figueiredo are all in place at the club.
Unless one or two of those players were to leave then it does seem unthinkable for Forest to add another centre-back.
Peybernes to Forest: Idle link with little substance
This did seem like a link which came courtesy of agents doing their best to drum up interest during the transfer window.
Not only do Forest not require a centre-back, it’s highly unlikely they’ll pursue one in his thirties.
Peybernes has never played in England either and landing him at this stage of his career would represent a massive risk.
Chris Hughton has plenty of work to do this summer.
Signing defenders shouldn’t anywhere the top of his priorities, however.