Fenerbahce president Ali Koc has discussed how Nottingham Forest made a last-minute push to sign Michy Batshuayi.
The Reds tried to bring in the striker from Chelsea before last Thursday’s 11pm deadline. However, the deal failed to go through, with reports claiming that the Blues did not send the relevant paperwork in time.
Batshuayi went on to put pen to paper for Turkish side Fenerbahce, who are now interested in signing Loic Mbe Soh from Forest before their window closes. According to Koc, the 28-year-old had been a target for some time, but the Reds were not the only Premier League team to make a late attempt to capture him.
READ MORE: How Forest's 15 summer exits are getting on since leaving City Ground
READ MORE: Forest squad value compared to Man City and Liverpool after £140m spending spree
In a translated interview, he told CNN Turk: “Everton and Nottingham watched Batshua at the last minute. They also made a deal.
“I called the player. We had another alternative. Batshuayi said, 'I'm packing my bags, I'm coming'. I said, 'your heart may be in the Premier League', ‘(it) is happening’ he said.”
Reports in Turkey claim Forest were ready to make Batshuayi their third-highest paid player. It is said he signed for Fenerbahce for 3 million euros (roughly £2.6m).
The forward has said of his decision to join the club: "I love Turkey very much. My family is also happy in Istanbul. Fenerbahce offered me a very good project. Because of mutual trust and love, I turned down other offers and chose Fenerbahce."
It has been a busy summer at the City Ground. Serge Aurier became the Reds’ 22nd new addition when he joined as a free agent - subject to visa approval - on Wednesday night.
Would you like to have seen Batshuayi at Forest? Have your say in the comments below
READ NEXT:
