Ibrahim Sangare, Nottingham Forest’s top target this summer, is in concrete talks with Bayern Munich.
The 25-year-old PSV midfielder has a £32 million release clause, with the German side happy to trigger it this window.
It was widely reported, that the Ivorian’s representatives traveled to Athens for talks with the Forest hierarchy, with another round of talks after Forest’s friendly against PSV last month.
Steve Cooper’s side have been looking for a ‘number six’ all window, with one-time target Tyler Adams off their shopping list after he agreed a deal with Chelsea.
With Sangare seemingly edging closer to a move to the Bundesliga champions, the Reds may be forced to extend their search for a new midfielder.
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A huge blow for Nottingham Forest
Cooper’s current preferred formation of 4-3-3 is crying out for an anchor at the base of the midfield three.
Sangare is their number-one choice for a good reason, with his presence in front of the back four.
The 6ft 3in machine is a bulldozer, he’s an unbelievably strong midfielder who loves to regain possession as demonstrated by his 2.7 tackles and 1.6 aerials won per90.
On top of his ability to break up the play, in possession, he is just as talented, with 7.6 progressive passes and 1.4 take-ons per match.
He is the perfect fit for a midfield trio as he effectively completes the ‘dirty work’ allowing for the creative players ahead to work their magic.
Potentially missing out on Sangare will no doubt be a huge blow for Cooper and the recruitment team, with the Ivorian having the potential to become one of Europe’s leading holding midfielders.