Nottingham Forest-linked central defender Joe Rodon is set to sign for Ligue 1 outfit Rennes on a season-long loan.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the deal will have a £20 million buy option included in the deal.
Rodon has been allowed to leave Tottenham after falling way down the pecking order under Antonio Conte.
The Wales international can’t afford to not be playing during 2022/23. He has the World Cup to think about that starts in November.
Rodon was always going to be on the shortlist of Forest following their promotion back to the Premier League.
Steve Cooper was in charge at Swansea when the club decided to sell the defender to Tottenham for £11 million.
In February 2020 he called him ‘one of the best centre-backs in the Championship’ and labelled him ‘fantastic’ for his performances.
Rodon’s time at Tottenham hasn’t gone according to plan. The 24-year-old has made just 24 appearances and he will welcome regular football.
Now he will embark on a new chapter in France. Rennes finished fourth in the table last season and will embark on a European campaign during 2022/23.
Forest opted to sign Moussa Niakhate this summer. He joins the defensive ranks alongside Joe Worrall, Scott McKenna and Steve Cook.
As a result, Cooper clearly felt that there were more pressing concerns that landing Rodon during the transfer window.
Rodon set to sign for Rennes but Forest should be okay
The Reds have strengthened their central defensive ranks well this summer and Niakhate looks a real find.
Clearly, Forest felt he was better value for money and in pre-season, he has certainly looked the part.
Rodon is a player fancied by Cooper but perhaps he believes he has better quality already at his disposal.
Rodon would unlikely have cost the earth but then never did Niakhate and he can operate at left-wing-back too.
It will be intriguing to see how the youngster will do at Rennes and Forest will likely monitor his progress with intrigue.
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