Nottingham Forest are keen to enter the race to sign sought-after striker El Bilal Toure. The 21-year-old is thought to be in demand this summer, with Everton, Fulham and Wolves also wanting to land the talisman.
According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the Reds are keen to rival the Premier League clubs for Toure. There is also some tentative interest from Italy, although nothing concrete at this stage.
Toure joined Almeria in Spain last season from Stade Reims. In his maiden campaign for the La Liga outfit, he scored seven goals and claimed two assists with the player deemed a bright prospect.
Previous reports have likened the striker to Didier Drogba. That would suggest that he’s powerful, comes alive in the penalty box and leads the line with aplomb.
Toure would arrive at the City Ground with one eye on the future. Given that he would likely cost £34 million that would represent a lot for a player yet to prove himself as a consistent goalscorer.
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Forest do need another striker though. Taiwo Awoniyi will be expected to kick on next season but his deputies, Sam Surridge and Emmanuel Dennis could both depart the City Ground.
Toure plays international football for Mali. He has scored four times in 13 outings for the national team and he could head to the African Cup of Nations in January.
Forest keen to enter Toure race
The player won’t come cheap and there is also the fact that he signed a long-term contract with Almeria last summer to consider. Still, a move to England is one that could perhaps appeal to the player.
Toure wouldn’t be a bad addition to the Forest ranks. He would act as a nice foil to Awoniyi with his playing style not completely different to that of the Nigerian.
It’s suggested that Everton have made the first move to try and sign him. The Toffees and Forest did battle on several players last summer and that could be a familiar situation again this time around.
Rumour rating: 5/10 – We’re not sure what to make on this one. Toure is a talented player and he could really kick on in the coming seasons.
However, he’s another African player to be linked with Forest and the squad could already be decimated when the AFCON gets underway in January.
Toure wouldn’t be a bad piece of business but we think that for this transfer fee, better options are readily available on the market this summer.