Sunderland are trying to sign Nottingham Forest gem Ateef Konate before the transfer deadline on Tuesday, according to The Sun. The French forward has been a star for the under-21s and scored twice during a 7-2 win over Derby on Friday night.
Konate came through the youth system at Le Havre before signing for Forest in 2020. Last season, he impressed Steve Cooper sufficiently to earn his first-team debut as a substitute against Barnsley in the Championship.
The 21-year-old has outgrown under-21 action and now wants to move out on loan. Sunderland are one club interested, with Tony Mowbray thought to be a huge fan of the player.
Konate has scored eight times for the under-21s this season. His goals against the Rams on Friday were stunning, with one of his goals being a free-kick which ripped into the top corner.
Sunderland were brilliant yesterday as they drew 1-1 with Fulham to earn a replay at the Stadium of Light. Ross Stewart was stretchered from the field, however, and another forward option could be sought.
Forest will definitely be willing to let Konate go out on loan. They have the option to extend his City Ground stay by another year and it’s anticipated that the Reds will activate that option.
Sunderland trying to sign Konate before Tuesday
This would be a superb move for Konate. Sunderland are flying high in the Championship, with Mowbray utilising a free-flowing and attacking style of play which should suit Konate.
The thing that Forest need to weigh up is just how much football he will play at Sunderland. It wouldn’t be beneficial for anyone should Konate go out on loan and be sat on the bench more often than not.
The next six months could be crucial for Konate. If he heads out on loan and does well, he could earn a chance with Forest; although the longer the Reds stay in the Premier League, the less likely that seems.
Konate would be heading to a progressive club by going to Sunderland. He won’t come cheap to them, however, and although Forest could consider either a loan or a permanent deal, the Black Cats will have to dig deep.