Nottingham Forest have seen a bid for Maxime Esteve rejected by Montpellier, the Daily Mail has reported. The Reds had made a bid of £9.7 million for the Ligue 1 central defender.
Forest tried to sign him by submitting a structured deal. It involved an initial payment, with a series of add-ons.
The Reds have been rebuffed though and it remains to be seen whether or not they will return with another bid.
Esteve has risen through the ranks with Montpellier and is now viewed as one of France’s brightest young talents.
The left-sided player has been identified by Forest as someone who can fill the void left by Moussa Niakhate.
Forest signed him from Mainz in the summer and after starring in his first two games, he’s been ruled out for several months through injury.
Esteve has made 15 appearances in all competitions during 2022/23. He’s shone throughout the campaign and Forest have been watching him.
At 20, the youngster looks like a seriously bright talent but it would perhaps be a risky signing to make right now.
Forest have given themselves a great chance of Premier League survival but they are still in a battle.
Forest have seen a bid rejected for Esteve
This deal could spark bad memories among Forest fans, with Loic Bade still fresh in the memory of the club’s supporters.
The French defender signed for the Reds on loan from Rennes but failed to make a single appearance before joining Sevilla earlier this month.
Esteve could be different. The link to a young, highly-rated, Frenchman will spark bad memories, however.
A left-sided central defender is definitely required. Scott McKenna is out of favour at the moment and some competition for him is required.
Rumour rating: 6/10 – We have to play this one pretty low-key on the basis that we know very little about Esteve.
The reports suggest he’s very talented and that does bode well but until he’s in the Garibaldi, the jury will remain out on whether this is a good deal or not.
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