Nottingham Forest have suffered the same fate as Tottenham did back in February, after seeing a bid for Paul Mukairu rejected. According to Ajansspor, Antalyaspor have snubbed Forest’s first offer for the young winger.
The opening bid was in the region of £2 million for the Nigerian player. It is claimed in the report that the Turkish top-flight outfit want another million adding to the deal.
Mukairu spent last season on loan with Anderlecht. He was a regular in Vincent Kompany’s team, scoring four goals and registering four assists during his season in Belgium.
Antalyaspor are also fishing for a 25% sell-on clause to be included in the deal. It’s not thought that Forest have a problem with this, although their initial offer only had a 15% clause attached.
Mukairu would be a signing that epitomises CEO Dane Murphy down to the ground. He is young, versatile and can operate in a number of positions. Perhaps crucially he would also carry a fair amount of sell-on value to the City Ground with him.
The youngster has come through the youth ranks in Turkey. He was snapped up by Antalyaspor from FC Heart Acadamy in his home country. Mukairu has since gone on to play 35 times for the first-team but could now be on the move.
Will Forest land Mukairu?
Given this current transfer window, who knows? Forest seem to have had more bids rejected than they’ve had shots on target this season and the need for players is getting desperate.
Forest are rock bottom without a point to their name and the club is in desperate need of a lift. Mukairu could be just the player to provide that boost in morale.
The youngster looks to have the tools to thrive in the Championship. He is raw, direct and boasts blistering pace with a desire to run at his opponent.
Forest need a lift from somewhere and adding a player or two would certainly help lift the spirits. It is a strange situation right now but Mukairu would be a positive signing.
The Reds have Philip Zinckernagel, Alex Mighten and Joe Lolley currently competing for places out wide. Brennan Johnson can also play on the left.
Mukairu would perhaps provide something a little bit different and Forest need to get this deal done.
Whether they will or not, remains to be seen.