Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks to sign Dijon defender Jonathan Panzo, according to Goal.
The 21-year-old was an integral part of Steve Cooper’s England under-17 team that won the World Cup in 2017.
Panzo has been with Dijon since 2020 when he checked in from Monaco. He has made 26 appearances for the Ligue 2 outfit but is now available for transfer.
The central defender started his career in the Chelsea academy but moved to Monaco in search of first-team football.
He made seven appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit but failed to make a major impact and was subsequently sold to Dijon.
Panzo has also enjoyed a loan spell with Cercle Brugge in Belgium where he made 18 appearances and gained invaluable experience.
Interestingly, the youngster rejected a move to Derby in 2020. Prior to joining Dijon he was linked with a move to Pride Park but opted against it.
It’s thought that the deal which sees Panzo arrive on Trentside will be a loan initially with the deal becoming permanent in the summer.
A temporary deal would seem odd. Forest already have five loan players at the club which is the amount permitted in any one matchday squad.
Panzo is currently at Forest’s training ground and negotiations are ongoing between the clubs.
Talent: Panzo could be a useful addition for Forest
The 21-year-old is a supremely talented individual and he could be a really good addition to the Reds’ ranks.
Forest have Joe Worrall out for a few weeks, with Steve Cook also exiting yesterday’s defeat at Cardiff with a calf problem.
- CLOSE: Forest edge near to deadling day capture
Tobias Figueiredo has been linked with a move away from the club, whilst Loic Mbe Soh is struggling to prove his fitness.
As a result, another central defender makes sense.
Panzo ticks all the boxes as a Dane Murphy signing. Naturally, the face he has played for Cooper previously means the deal looks absolutely perfect.
Receive a digest of our best Nottingham Forest content each week direct to your mailbox
