Nottingham Forest have reportedly seen a bid for Mainz centre-back Moussa Niakhate rejected as Steve Cooper looks to add to his squad this summer.
The Reds are closing in on their first signing since earning promotion back to the Premier League. Forest are said to be in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Union Berlin forward Taiwo Awoniyi for a club record fee of £17.5 million.
It seems that the striker may not be the only signing from the Bundesliga this summer as Forest look to add more players. According to German outlet BILD , Forest have seen a first offer for Mainz captain Niakhate rejected.
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The report claims that the Reds made an opening bid of around £9 million but that was knocked back instantly by the German club. It adds that Mainz are looking for a fee in the region of £13 million.
NottinghamshireLive understands that Cooper is keen to sign the centre-half and that the club have held talks with the player. He has also been linked with a move to Everton, Newcastle United and West Ham United this summer.
Niakhate played a total of 33 times for Mainz last season, scoring four goals. The Bundesliga club are however planning for life without their captain in 2022/23.
“We’re expecting Moussa to leave,” sporting director Christian Heidel said last week. “It’s quiet on our side, but I don’t assume that it’s as quiet with Moussa’s agent.”
Defender Tobias Figueiredo left the City Ground as part of Forest’s released list earlier in the summer. It means that Cooper will be keen to add to his centre-back options to increase competition with Joe Worrall, Steve Cook and Scott McKenna.
