Nottingham Forest have made the first move to try and sign Orel Mangala from VfB Stuttgart. According to Welt, however, Crystal Palace and West Ham are also in the race to sign him.
Forest’s first play has been rejected. It’s thought that a bid of £9 million falls a little way short of the £13 million that the Bundesliga outfit hope to recoup.
Mangala is a 5ft 10in midfielder. It wasn’t too long ago that he was linked with a move to Manchester United, with the Red Devils viewing him as a cheap midfield option.
Forest are desperately trying to bolster their midfield ranks. Ryan Yates is out injured for a month and that leaves Cafu, Braian Ojeda and Jack Colback as the only options.
Mangala would represent a wonderful signing. He’s backed by many for a bright future and it seems almost certain that he will join a Premier League club this summer.
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The 24-year-old has been with Stuttgart for three years. He has made 109 appearances, scoring three goals and claiming 10 assists.
Mangala normally operates as a more defence-minded midfielder. He has made a single appearance for Belgium too and he’s fancied by Roberton Martinez.
The youngster will have options. Forest could offer him a chance to play regular football though and surely that will count for something when he makes his decision.
Forest make first move for Mangala and this is a deal they must complete
This wouldn’t be an expensive deal for Forest to complete. As a result, it’s one they simply must get done in the coming weeks.
Mangala would surely jump at the chance to play in the Premier League. In joining Forest, he would pretty much be guaranteed a starting berth most weeks too.
The international is all action on the pitch. He puts himself about and boasts tremendous energy when called upon.
Mangala will only cost the Reds £13 million and frankly, that could prove to be an absolute steal from a Forest perspective.