Nottingham Forest look like they have missed out on signing Morroco international Walid Cheddira as a Premier League transfer for the striker is reportedly 'increasingly unlikely'.
Cheddira, 24, made a pair of appearances for Morocco during their run to the World Cup semi-finals. The centre-forward came on as a substitute in the two previous rounds against, first Spain and then Portugal in the quarter-finals, but was shown two yellow cards in the space of two minutes in the latter, meaning the player was suspended for the match against France.
The striker now has one more chance to impress in the third-place play-off against Croatia on Saturday before returning to his club side Bari, who play in the Italian second division. After scoring 14 goals in 15 matches so far this season, a step up to the top-flight seems imminent.
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Despite interest from Forest as well as Tottenham Hotspur and Championship club Watford, Italian league-leaders Napoli 'remain favourites' to sign Cheddira, according to The Sun. Lazio, who sit fourth in Serie A, have also been credited with an interest in the player.
These reports add that the close relationship between Bari and the Neapolitans gives them a 'clear path' towards a transfer. Aurelio De Laurentiis and his media company Filmauro own both clubs, with his eldest son Luigi Jr chairman of the Serie B side while Aurelio is the long-time president of Napoli.
Which target should Forest turn to instead of Cheddira? Have your say in the comments...
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