Striker M’Baye Niang looks set to sign for Bordeaux from Rennes having been linked with Nottingham Forest during the summer.
According to Get Football News France, the burly striker is yet to agree on terms over the move, although he is thought to be keen.
Niang is down the pecking order at Rennes. He hasn’t played during 2021/22 and Bordeaux are set to sign him as their ‘joker’ – one loan transfer within French clubs that can take place out of the window.
Forest were keen on signing the striker during the window. It did, however, seem a bizarre link given Niang earns a whopping £62,000-a-week at Rennes.
With that in mind, the interest from Forest was tentative. Had he made the move been made, a loan deal would have been likely, with Rennes offsetting the majority of the wage bill.
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During his time with the Ligue 1 outfit, Niang has fired 30 goals in 92 appearances. He’s also spent time in England with Watford, scoring twice and claiming two assists.
He’s a well-travelled forward. Niang also lists AC Milan, Caen and Torino among his former clubs.
A deal to see Niang arrive at Bordeaux isn’t complete just yet, with Saint-Etienne looking to crash the party.
Risky business: Forest right to avoid Niang signing
Given the sums, it was likely only agent talk trying to drum up further interest in Niang by linking Forest with their client.
In a bizarre twist of fate though, Niang could now link up with Josh Maja. The forward was all set to join Forest in the summer but a deal seemingly collapsed at the eleventh hour.
Niang would have been a reasonably expensive signing and he’d have probably taken up a loan place in the squad.
At 26, the Reds are better served to stick with Lewis Grabban and Lyle Taylor. Will Swan is waiting patiently in the wings, should either player be struck down with an injury this season.
Forest fans might monitor Niang’s progress with intrigue. This doesn’t look like being a major loss for the club, however.