Nottingham Forest closing in on Mainz defender Niakhate
Ronan Murphy
- Updated: 23 May 2023 08:46 CDT
- 3 min read
Exclusive
Nottingham Forest are closing in on a deal for Mainz defender Moussa Niakhate, FootballTransfers can confirm.
Mainz are now expecting his imminent departure from the club after the newly-promoted Premier League side opened talks with the centre-back.
Niakhate has decided to leave the club and move to the City Ground, we understand, however, the Bundesliga side have still not received an offer for the highly-rated youngster.
FootballTransfers has been told that a centre-back is a priority position for Forest boss Steve Cooper, with the 26-year-old available at a discount because his transfer expires next summer.
Bei der Arbeit:
Mateta 👉 Niakhaté 💥🤩💯#Mainz05 pic.twitter.com/4LWQo2N3IM— 1. FSV Mainz 05 (@1FSVMainz05) January 22, 2020
Mainz sporting director Christian Heidel confirmed to Bild that the club "are planning that Moussa will leave."
The German newspaper also indicates that Mainz want €12 million for the defender, but FootballTransfers has learned that the club would be willing to accept a lower price this summer and would like to conclude business swiftly so they can begin their own reinforcement plans.
Nottingham Forest summer transfer window
Since winning promotion back to the English top flight, Forest have been active in the transfer market.
Related articles
They also have plans to bring in another player from Old Trafford this summer, looking to loan James Garner for another season.
The Championship play-off winners would like to sign Garner permanently, but United are not willing to let him leave apart from on loan.
Erik ten Hag believes that Garner could be a part of his long-term plans at Old Trafford as he looks to rebuild the Red Devils.
