Nottingham Forest could miss out on the chance to bring former Wolves defender Romain Saiss back to the Premier League as Marseille enter talks with the Morocco international.
That most unexpected of runs to semi-finals of the Qatar World Cup have certainly had quite the impact on a number of Walid Regregui’s roaring, growling Altas Lions.
Sofyan Amrabat – arguably their star performer in the Middle East – is a target for Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona these days. Selim Amallah earned himself a shot at La Liga.
Azzedine Ounahi, meanwhile, joined Marseille in a big-money January switch. He could now be joined at the French giants by a 33-year-old centre-half who’s time at the top of the European game looked to have run out when he left Wolves for Besiktas on a free transfer 12 months ago.
Nottingham Forest face Marseille battle for Romain Saiss
The Turkish Super Lig giants are preparing for Saiss’ exit; Napoli’s Scudetto-winning defender Juan Jesus lined up as his replacement (Takvim).
MORE FOREST STORIES
And while Saiss has other offers – Nottingham Forest are among those reportedly keen – RMC Sport believe that the veteran is holding out for a move to Marseille. Talks over a potential three-year deal are underway, Besiktas demanding around £3.5 million.
This comes only a few days after Turkish publication Sabah indicated that Nottingham Forest were moving in the right direction in pursuit of a man who became a cult hero during six years at Molineux; helping Wolves go from the second-tier to the quarter-finals of the Europa League in the blink of an eye.
Forest would have few problems meeting Besiktas’ £3.5 million asking price. They cannot, however, compete with the prospect of Champions League football at Marseille. L’OM finished third in France’s top flight, and will enter the competition at the third qualifying round.
Forest appear to be eyeing the defensive market this summer following a 2022/23 season littered with injury issues at centre-half.
Interestingly, Forest reportedly tried to sign Saiss in January too. Besiktas wanted £6 million at the time, with Steve Cooper turning to Atletico Madrid’s Felipe instead.
Rumour rating; 5/10 – Romain Saiss’s experience and Premier League know-how would make him a potentially inspired addition, but the lure of Champions League football may be too good to turn down.