‘Less imminent now’: Premier League boss addresses £15m striker as Nottingham Forest back away

Add as preferred source on Google

Nottingham Forest were linked with Brighton striker Neal Maupay recently and Graham Potter has been addressing the situation to Sussex World.

Prior to the Reds completing the record signing of Morgan Gibbs-White, the arrival of Maupay seemed very close.

Both Fulham and Everton have also been keen; with Frank Lampard holding personal discussions with the talisman.

Forest appear to have put the signing of the Frenchman on the back burner and look set to walk away.

It would seem as though all three clubs have cooled their interest in Maupay, with Potter asked about the situation at the weekend.

He told Sussex World: “It sounded a little more imminent last week, but, as we know, with the transfer window, nothing is predictable.

“It’s less imminent now. Hence why he’s in the squad. I think sometimes you need to realise they’re human beings with families, careers and lives.

“If there’s a decision to make they need some time to think about that. But there isn’t a decision now so we’re happy to have him with the squad.”

Maupay scored nine goals for the Seagulls last season and spent the season as the team’s first-choice striker.

He signed for Brighton from Brentford in 2019 and in 109 appearances for the club, he’s scored 27 goals.

The player is valued at £15 million and perhaps he will still leave the club before the transfer window slams shut.

Forest linked with Maupay but move looks unlikely

It’s no surprise to see Maupay linked with a move to Forest this summer.

Forest have Andy Scott overseeing their domestic scouting and he was responsible for Brentford signing the player from Saint-Etienne.

Looking at the squad, perhaps one more striker could be required.

Brennan Johnson has started the last two matches with Taiwo Awoniyi, with Emmanuel Dennis and Sam Surridge both on the bench against Everton.

Forest will want to make sure the squad is well-stocked and perhaps another talisman could be required.

Potter seems relaxed over the player’s situation and perhaps the player does have a future at Brighton.

The Seagulls play Forest Green in the Carabao Cup tomorrow night and whether or not he gets a start in that game will perhaps say a lot about his future.